Periarticular calcification of the knee joint is a rare pathology that may be challenging to diagnose and manage when symptomatic. Here, we describe the first use of fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage (barbotage) with corticosteroid injection in a case of symptomatic calcification of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). A 75-year-old female presented with acute lateral knee pain and stiffness, which subsequent radiographic imaging and diagnostic injection confirmed to be attributed to calcification within the LCL. Initial treatment with analgesic medications and a genicular nerve block failed to alleviate symptoms. However, complete resolution of symptoms was achieved following fluoroscopic-guided barbotage and steroid injection. This case underscores the importance of considering LCL calcification in the differential diagnosis of lateral knee pain. This case also illustrates the potential effectiveness of barbotage and adjunctive steroid injection as a minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic LCL calcification, emphasizing the need for more rigorous studies evaluating treatment strategies for managing periarticular calcifications involving the knee joint.
Keywords: barbotage; calcification; chronic knee pain; lateral collateral ligament; lateral knee pain; percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage.
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