Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

We report the case of a 34-year-old woman who presented with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease shortly after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a polyester artificial ligament (Leeds-Keio; Neoligaments, Leeds, England). The patient had earlier undergone a medial collateral ligament repair of a sprain to her right knee incurred while skiing. Nine years later, she underwent ACL reconstruction. Seventeen months after ACL reconstruction, calcification was observed on radiographs of the medial and lateral menisci. Based on these calcifications and polarized light microscopic findings of the joint fluid, the diagnosis was made of CPPD crystal deposition. CPPD deposition appeared to have resulted from intra-articular damage incurred during ACL reconstruction as well as prolonged anterior instability.