Percutaneous image-guided treatment of mucoid degeneration of the ACL in advanced knee osteoarthritis—Preliminary observations

Objectives To describe the percutaneous image-guided treatment of mucoid degeneration of the ACL causing deep knee pain on flexion in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. Methods Five patients with mucoid degeneration of the ACL complicating knee osteoarthritis underwent percutaneous image-guided steroid bupivacaine ACL sleeve injections over a 3-year period. Results There were four males and one female of mean age 54 (range 48–59 years). Each patient had Kellgren and Lawrence grade 4 medial compartment knee osteoarthritis with coexistent mucoid degeneration of the ACL sleeve. Each patient complained of deep knee pain on flexion as a dominant symptom. Each patient underwent image-guided (CT or ultrasound) steroid bupivacaine injection of the ACL sleeve resulting in symptom resolution and improved mobility for a mean duration of 8 months, (range 6–15 months.) Conclusion Mucoid degeneration of the ACL should be sought in patients with osteoarthritis presenting with deep knee pain on flexion. Image-guided ACL sleeve injection in affected patients may result in symptom resolution and potential deferral of planned knee replacement surgery. Advances in knowledge Emphasises Image guided percutaneous treatment of Mucoid degeneration of ACL in patients with knee osteoarthritis.