Open and arthroscopic surgical management of primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Autologous Microfractured and Purified Adipose Tissue for Arthroscopic Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Published on: January 23, 2018
Yi-Hsun Yu1, Yi-Sheng Chan, Mel S Lee
1Division of Joint Reconstruction, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.
Insights
Surgical management of hip primary synovial chondromatosis is effective. Choosing the right surgical approach based on indications leads to quick recovery and minimal recurrence for hip chondromatosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Joint Disease Research
Background:
- Primary synovial chondromatosis frequently affects major joints like the hip.
- Optimal surgical strategies for hip primary synovial chondromatosis remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surgical outcomes for primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip.
- To determine the efficacy of different surgical approaches for hip chondromatosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 9 patients with hip primary synovial chondromatosis treated between 2000-2005.
- Surgical approach selection (open arthrotomy vs. arthroscopic surgery) based on identified indications.
Main Results:
- Four patients underwent open arthrotomy, and five had arthroscopic surgery.
- Mean follow-up was 24.9 months; one recurrence occurred after arthroscopic surgery.
- All hips were stable radiologically, with a mean Harris Hip Score of 93.7 at 12 months.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention for hip primary synovial chondromatosis yields positive patient outcomes.
- Tailoring surgical approach to specific indications improves recovery and reduces recurrence risk.
Background:
Primary synovial chondromatosis commonly involves large joints such as the knee and hip. The optimal approaches for successful surgical management of symptomatic primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip joint are controversial.
Methods:
The current study reviewed 9 patients with primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip who underwent surgical treatment between 2000 and 2005. By identification of the surgical indications, we chose the optimal surgical approach, open arthrotomy or arthroscopic surgery, for a definite treatment.
Results:
Of the 9 patients, 4 underwent open arthrotomy and 5 underwent hip arthroscopic surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 24.9 months (range, 12-50). There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. There was 1 recurrence 2 years after the first arthroscopic surgery. All hips remained in stationary condition on radiological follow-up except for 1 hip, the recurrence case. The mean Harris Hip Score at the 12-month follow-up was 93.7 (range, 90-99).
Conclusions:
Surgical treatment for primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip proved beneficial for these patients. By means of identified indications, selecting an appropriate surgical approach provides a rapid recovery and low incidence of recurrence.