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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:32
A Pre-Clinical Model of Synovitis Using Ex vivo Human Synovial Tissue with Preserved Function and Architecture
Published on: March 20, 2026
Latent foreign body synovitis
Kenneth S Bode1, Charles J Haggerty, John Krause
1Department of Orthopaedics, Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA. Kenneth.bode@lackland.af.mil
Summary
A rare case of chronic joint pain was diagnosed as a wooden foreign body synovitis. Open biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting its importance in identifying unusual causes of monoarticular arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Monoarticular arthritis presents a broad diagnostic challenge.
- Patient history omissions can complicate the diagnostic process.
- Foreign body synovitis is an uncommon cause of joint pain.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old female presented with eight months of right first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) pain.
- Previous diagnostic evaluations were exhaustive but non-specific.
- An open biopsy was performed for definitive diagnosis.
Findings:
- A 3.5 cm wooden foreign body was excised from the first MTPJ.
- The foreign body was attributed to an injury sustained 18 years prior.
- Histopathology confirmed foreign body synovitis.
Implications:
- Open biopsy is a crucial diagnostic tool for suspected foreign body synovitis.
- This case underscores the importance of considering long-standing, overlooked injuries.
- Accurate diagnosis of foreign body synovitis can lead to effective treatment and pain relief.
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