Synovial chondromatosis of the hip

Description: Primary synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disorder, and involvement of the hip joint is rare. The clinical symptoms are usually non-specific, and a clinical diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis of the hip may be difficult and delayed, especially before the ossifying nodules become evident. Loose bodies in the joint can cause secondary degenerative osteoarthritis of the hip. Currently, the recommended management is surgical removal of the loose bodies and a synovectomy without dislocation of the hip joint. Herein we report on 2 cases of synovial chondromatosis of the hip, which were managed with an arthroscope-assisted synovectomy and removal of the loose bodies. We believe this is an easy and safe method for management of this disorder.
Synovial chondromatosis of the hip: management with arthroscope-assisted synovectomy and removal of loose bodies: report of two cases. Chen CY, Chen AC, Chang YH, Fu TS, Lee MS. Chang Gung Med J. 2003 Mar;26(3):208-14. full text