Synovial Chondromatosis eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: The pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms of synovial chondromatosis and its generation of loose bodies have historically been treated with surgery. Since the mid 1950s, the technical strategy has included open arthrotomy with removal of loose bodies and synovectomy. Controversy exists regarding the utility of synovectomy. Some authors prefer simple loose-body removal and limited excision of involved synovium only. The recent evolution of arthroscopic techniques offers a relatively noninvasive strategy for select cases.
Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition in which foci of cartilage develop in the synovial membrane of joints, bursae, or tendon sheaths as a result of metaplasia of the subsynovial connective tissue. These ectopic foci of cartilage can result in painful joint effusions and, on the generation of loose bodies, mechanical symptoms.
Synonyms and related keywords: synovial chondrometaplasia, articular chondromatosis, osteochondromatosis, chondrocalcinosis articularis, tenosynovial chondrometaplasia, joint chondromata, diffuse endochondromatosis
Annunziata & Christoforetti 2006