Knee chondrocalcinosis: an ultrasonographic study of the hyalin cartilage.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present research was to test the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) to detect chondrocalcinosis in the hyalin cartilage (HC).

METHOD

This was tested on both knees of 21 selected patients with a history of unilateral HC and 19 controls. In Group, I (US), evaluation was performed on selected knees. The selection was based on the evidence of HC on previous radiographs. In Group II, US examination of the contralateral side of the same cohort was performed first and radiographic picture was done as a second step.

RESULTS

Ultrasonically, detectable calcification was present in 17 of 21 in Groups I and II, respectively. The US findings of the latter were confirmed on radiographs in 15. The sensitivity and specificity of Groups I and II were 80-100% and 89-91%, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity of US in calcification verification in HC proved to be 89% and 90%. Popliteal cyst was detected in 10 cases of which 8 showed evidence of calcification in the bursal fluid. Typical calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals could be demonstrated in five of those.

CONCLUSION

US is a valuable, sensitive and specific method in the evaluation of patients with chondrocalcinosis and crystal deposition disease.