EC Orthopaedics

Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a rare condition characterized by the infiltration of glycosaminoglycans between the ACL fibers, resulting in a poorly understood entity. We present the case of a 45-year-old male athlete with no previous pathological history who consulted for pain in the left knee. MRI revealed a thickened and poorly delineated aspect of the ACL with a hyper signal, realizing the Celery branch sign. The main differential diagnosis is rupture of the ligament.

Symptomatic patients may benefit from complete arthroscopic resection of the ligament. The present case highlights the importance of recognizing this rare condition and considering it in the differential diagnosis of knee pain.

Keywords: Mucoid Degeneration; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Celery Branch Sign; Knee Pain; Arthroscopic Resection

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