Medial Collateral Ligament Calcification, Presenting as Knee Pain. An unusual Case Report

Abstract

Background: The tibial collateral ligament, also known as the medial collateral ligament (MCL), is a ligament extending from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the posteromedial crest of the tibia. The ligament is a broad and strong band that mainly functions to stabilize the knee joint in the coronal plane on the medial side Since MCL calcification is not a frequent knee pain manifestation, exclusion of other confusing clinical mimicries is of paramount importance. Here, in this report, we describe a well-circumscribed calcific deposit in the left femoral condylar attachment of MCL reported very rarely in the medical literature.  Case Report: A 37-year-old laborer presented to the Outpatient department with pain and flexion deformity of the Right knee for 6 months. He walked on a flexed knee with a limping gait.  A plain radiograph of the right was taken in AP and Lateral view which showed a massive well-defined calcification at the medial side of the knee joint. Considering the large size of the lesion, surgical treatment was chosen. Intra-operatively, as the MCL was involved a reconstruction was done using the semitendinosus tendon. Conclusion: Chronic pain located at the medial side of the knee is not always osteoarthritic pain. Thorough clinical and radiological investigation with plain radiographs and MRI in some cases is mandatory. Calcification or ossification of the medial collateral ligament of the knee responds well to conservative treatment. Surgical resection is needed in some cases with larger lesions.