Pellegrini–Stieda syndrome

Pellegrini–Stieda syndrome is a medical condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the knee. It is caused by calcification at the site of a previous injury to the medial collateral ligament of the knee. The syndrome is named after Italian surgeon Augusto Pellegrini and German radiologist Alban Köhler.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Pellegrini–Stieda syndrome is pain in the knee, particularly on the inner side. This pain is often accompanied by stiffness and a reduced range of motion. The pain may be exacerbated by physical activity, particularly activities that involve bending or twisting the knee.

Causes

Pellegrini–Stieda syndrome is caused by calcification at the site of a previous injury to the medial collateral ligament of the knee. This calcification is thought to result from a process called heterotopic ossification, in which bone tissue forms in places where it should not. The exact cause of this process is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to inflammation and tissue damage.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Pellegrini–Stieda syndrome is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and the results of imaging studies. X-rays of the knee can often reveal the characteristic calcification at the site of the medial collateral ligament. In some cases, other imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

The treatment of Pellegrini–Stieda syndrome typically involves a combination of conservative measures and, in some cases, surgery. Conservative measures may include rest, physical therapy, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. If these measures are not effective, surgery may be considered to remove the calcified tissue.

See also

• Medial collateral ligament
• Knee pain
• Heterotopic ossification

Pellegrini–Stieda syndrome Resources
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