A Clinical Study of Calcification of the Tibial Collateral Ligament (Pellegrini-Stieda's Disease)

Cho, Tae Hwan; Ann, Byung Wan; Gang, Jang Su; Park, Gyung Song

Abstract

Pellegrini-Stieda's disease is a post-traumatic disorder of the knee. It is characterized by a crescentric-like bony formation in the region of the medial condyle of the femur, which usually makes its appearance upon roentgenographic examination three or more weeks after injury to the knee. During the three and a half years from January 1979 to July 1982, eleven patients were treated by conservative method and only one patient was treated by operation. The results were as follows; l. All give a history of trauma. 2. The major findings in this disease were pain in motion, local tenderness, and limitation of motion. 3. In roentgenographic findings of these cases, we noted the followings: 1) The most common site of the calcification was the proximal area of the tibial collateral ligament. 2) In seven cases (58%), the evidence of calcification was noted in 4 weeks to 12 weeks following original trauma. 3) Eight cases (67%) showed a radiolucent area from 0.5 to 3mm in thickness between the bony shadow and the femur. 4) Eight cases (67%) showed a crescentric shape of calcified area. 5) In seven cases (58%), the size of calcified mass was 1.5 to 3.5cm in length and 1 to 3mm in width. The mean size of calcified mass about 3cm in length and about 2.5mm in width. 4. Eleven cases were treated conservatively and one case was treated operatively. The results were satisfactory, and all patients were able to return to their works.