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Synovial chondromatosis of the tempromandibular joint: relationship between MRI information and potential aggressive
Min-jie Chen1, Chi Yang1, Ya-ting Qiu1
1Department of Oral Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
Purpose:
To evaluate the types of synovial condromatosis (SC) of tempromandibular joint (TMJ) on MRI and their potential aggressive behavior.
Methods:
144 patients with pure SC of TMJ were included in. On MRI, 3 types of the lesion included loose body, homogeneous mass, and mixture of both loose body and homogeneous mass. Bony evaluations included 4 stages of erosion: without erosion, chondral breakdown, bony absorption and bony perforation.
Results:
47 (32.6%) cases were categorized in the type of loose body, 71 (49.3%) cases in the type of homogeneous mass, and 26 (18.1%) cases in the type of mixture. 80% of bony perforation belonged to the type of homogeneous mass and 20% belonged to the type of mixture. 2 patients were found recurrence.
Conclusion:
The types of homogeneous mass and mixture of both on MRI were more aggressive. Homogeneous mass with bony erosion on MRI had potential recurrence.
Insights
Synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on MRI shows aggressive behavior in homogeneous mass and mixed types. These types, especially with bony erosion, indicate potential recurrence in TMJ SC patients.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a benign cartilaginous tumor.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is rare but can cause significant morbidity.
- Accurate imaging characterization is crucial for predicting disease behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the different types of synovial chondromatosis (SC) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using MRI.
- To determine the association between SC imaging types and aggressive behavior, including bony erosion and recurrence.
Main Methods:
- 144 patients with pure SC of the TMJ were analyzed.
- MRI was used to classify lesions into three types: loose body, homogeneous mass, or a mixture of both.
- Bony erosion was graded into four stages: none, chondral breakdown, bony absorption, and bony perforation.
Main Results:
- The homogeneous mass type was most common (49.3%), followed by loose body (32.6%) and mixture (18.1%).
- Bony perforation was predominantly associated with the homogeneous mass (80%) and mixture (20%) types.
- Two cases of recurrence were observed, both linked to homogeneous mass with bony erosion.
Conclusions:
- Homogeneous mass and mixed types of TMJ SC on MRI suggest more aggressive disease.
- TMJ SC presenting as homogeneous mass with bony erosion on MRI indicates a higher potential for recurrence.
