Synovial chondrometaplasia. A case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Musculoskeletal Pathologies

Background:

• Synovial chondrometaplasia is a rare, benign condition typically affecting adult males aged 20-60.
• The youngest previously reported case involved a 14-year-old patient.
• This report details an exceptionally young patient presenting with this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of synovial chondrometaplasia in a significantly younger patient than previously documented.
• To describe the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of this rare condition in a pediatric case.

Main Methods:

• A 7-year-old male with a bone age of 5 presented with left elbow enlargement and limited motion.
• Surgical intervention involved the removal of 54 osteocartilaginous bodies.
• An anterior synovectomy was performed.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced significant improvement in elbow function post-surgery.
• Post-operative range of motion included 5 to 128 degrees of pain-free flexion.
• Full, painless forearm pronation and supination were achieved.
• No recurrence of the synovial chondrometaplasia was observed at 18 months follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Synovial chondrometaplasia can occur in very young children, challenging the typical age demographic.
• Surgical management, including osteocartilaginous body removal and synovectomy, can be effective in restoring function and preventing recurrence.
• This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses even in pediatric patients with atypical presentations.