Isolated posterior cruciate ligament calcification: A case report

Abstract

Calcification around the knee joint is a rare condition in athletes. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) calcification is the most frequent post-traumatic ligament calcification. There is very limited information about the calcification of cruciate ligaments. In this study, we aimed to present a management scheme for the diagnosis and treatment process of a veteran athlete with isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) calcification. A 59-year-old female patient, who was formerly an athlete, admitted to emergency department with generalized right knee pain that aggravated with sports activities. Radiographic images revealed a calcification in line with the PCL contours. It was decided to perform arthroscopic debridement. After the operation, the patient's symptoms regressed rapidly. Tendon calcifications may cause post-exercise pain in athletes with concomitant chronic diseases. Conservative treatment and non-steroidal antiinflammatory treatment should be tried first in all calcific tendinopathies. Although conservative treatment appears to be frequently satisfactory, arthroscopic excision may be a better option for the refractory or severe cases.