- Discussion:
    - tibial tuberosity forms at about 13 wks of gestation, as cartilaginous extension of proximal tibial epiphysis;
    - epiphyseal ossification center of proximal end of tibia appears at 1-3 months;
    - primary ossification center:
          - center does not reach tibial eminence until late childhood;
          - center slowly enlarges toward secondary ossification center of the tibia;
          - proximal tibial physis contributes approx 55 % of length of tibia, approx 25 % of length of limb, & approx 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) / yr until maturity;
     - secondary center:
          - ossification develops in distal aspect of tuberosity at approx 8 years;
          - physis of tuberosity closes between ages of 13 & 15 yrs in girls & between ages of 15 & 19 yrs in boys;
          - epiphyseal center of tibial tuberosity fuses w/ prox tibial epiphysis at age of 17 years