Calcifications of the lateral and medial collateral ligament of the knee successfully treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous fragmentation and lavage: a report of two cases.

Calcifications of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee are uncommon and potentially under-recognized entities. Only a limited number of cases have been published to date and their management is still not adequately standardized. Conservative options are typically proposed first, but refractory cases may require interventional/surgical procedures. We report the cases of two elderly women presenting with progressive knee pain and functional limitation, in whom calcifications of the LCL and MCL were diagnosed based on ultrasound, plain radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging. After failure of medical therapy, both patients were managed with ultrasound-guided percutaneous fragmentation and lavage using a double needle approach similar to the one employed for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, leading to rapid and complete relief of symptoms. Although further evidence is required, this treatment could represent a promising and minimally invasive alternative in the management of these infrequent conditions.