Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:27
Novel Triple-Loop Technique for Suturing TFCC Injuries without Transosseous Tunnel
Published on: May 23, 2025
Calcific tendonitis of the fibular collateral ligament
Kim Schindler1, Patrick O'Keefe, Timothy Bohn
1Department of Radiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Orthopedics
|April 25, 2006
Summary
Calcific tendonitis in the fibular collateral ligament, caused by hydroxyapatite deposition, is a rare cause of severe lateral knee pain. Thin-section CT can confirm crystal deposition, distinguishing it from other knee injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Calcific tendonitis is a common condition affecting tendons, typically around the shoulder.
- Involvement of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) is rare, presenting diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A case of acute, severe lateral knee pain attributed to calcific tendonitis within the FCL is described.
- Imaging revealed calcifications within an intact but thickened FCL with surrounding inflammation.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings can mimic aggressive pathologies like avulsion fractures or ligamentous tears.
- Thin-section computed tomography (CT) unequivocally confirms hydroxyapatite crystal deposition, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Implications:
- Accurate differentiation from traumatic knee injuries is crucial for appropriate management.
- Understanding this rare presentation aids radiologists and orthopedic surgeons in diagnosing and treating lateral knee pain.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...
01:11Fibril-associated Collagen
Fibril-associated collagens are a type of collagens present in the extracellular matrix with interrupted triple helices or FACIT (Fibril-associated collagens interrupted triple-helices). FACIT help connect and attach the collagen fibrils with each other as well as with other proteins of the extracellular matrix.
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
01:28Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
01:23Muscles that Move the Leg
The movement of the legs is facilitated by numerous muscles located within the anterior, medial, and posterior compartments of the thigh.
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...