Synovial Chondromatosis (A Report of Four Cases and A Review of The Literature)

Abstract

Purpose: Synovial chondromatosis is a rare entity with limitted information on its etiology and consequences. Four cases with synovial chondromatosis are identified and presented with the review of literature. The cases were as; Case 1: R.F., 45 year-old male with synovial chondromatosis in left knee-joint and popliteal bursa. Follow-up: 3 years. Case 2: O.Z., 36 year-old male with synovial chondromatosis in his right knee joint and popliteal bursa. Follow-up: 2 years. Case 3: E. S., 26 year-old male with synovial chondromatosis in his right ankle. Follow-up: 7 months. Case 4: Y .D., 20 year-old male with synovial chondromatosis in his right ankle. Follow-up: 3 months. The loose bodies were removed and partial synovectomy performed through arthroscopy in case 1 and by arthrotomy in the three other cases. In the last follow-up examination of the cases no recurrence and complaint were observed.
Discussion: In the etiology of the disease, trauma has been postulated as a possible stimulus of metaplasia of the synovial cells into chondrocytes. It is also thought that the disease can inheritly be transmitted. Synovial chondromatosis is often seen in males and in the 3-4 decades that is only treated surgically. Recurrence and malignant degeneration is a common complication. In order to minimize these complication, all the cartilaginous tissues should be excised during the operation.
Conclusion: Further studies are needed for the full comprehension of the etiology of synovial chondromatosis and its consequences. In the treatment, recurrence and malignment degeneration should be taken into consideration and a long follow-up is required.