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Lateral Collateral Ligament Calcification: A Rare and Challenging Cause of Chronic Knee Pain

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) calcification of the knee represents an uncommon degenerative or post-traumatic change characterized by ectopic mineral deposition within the ligamentous fibers. We report a rare case of LCL calcification in a 49-year-old female presenting with chronic right lateral knee pain with recurrent acute exacerbations. The patient had a prior history of mild knee trauma, and no significant findings were initially identified on radiographs. Despite several courses of physiotherapy and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), her symptoms persisted with only partial relief. Physical examination revealed localized tenderness over the lateral knee compartment and pain with varus stress testing. Bedside ultrasound revealed a well-circumscribed hyperechoic lesion within the LCL consistent with calcific deposition. MRI confirmed the diagnosis. A conservative management plan consisting of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) was initiated, leading to complete symptom resolution at three-month follow-up.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98799

Authors: José Eduardo Sousa, Nuno Madureira, Paula Freire, Maria João Sousa, Carolina Paiva

Institution: Centro de Medicina de Reabilitação da Região Centro Rovisco Pais

Language: English

Topic: Tendon Structure and Treatment

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4417162941