What is tibial tuberosity osteochondrosis? The tibial tuberosity is the attachment point of the patellar ligament, which is a distraction epiphysis. The epiphysis fuses with the upper tibial epiphysis at approximately 16 years of age, and at 18 years of age the tibial tuberosity and the upper tibial epiphysis are fused as one. Therefore, the epiphysis is susceptible to damage and even ischemia and necrosis before the age of 18. This disease is also known as Osgood-Schlatter disease. What is the cause of osteochondrosis of the tibial tuberosity? The quadriceps is the most powerful group of muscles in the body, and its pulling force through the patella and patellar ligament often causes different degrees of tears in the unossified tibial tuberosity epiphysis. Male adolescents love sports and are often prone to this injury in the absence of proper instruction.