Arthroscopic management of elbow synovial chondromatosis

We aimed to identify factors that affect pain, complications, and function following elbow arthroscopy for elbow synovial chondromatosis.

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of all patients with elbow synovial chondromatosis treated by arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal between January 2000 and January 2016 at our institution. Eleven patients were enrolled (8 male; mean age, 41.7 years). The mean duration of symptoms was 13.7 months, and all patients had a decreased range of motion (ROM) in the affected elbow. By Milgram criteria, there was 1 phase II case, and 10 cases were phase III.

All patients were followed postoperatively (mean follow-up, 65 months). The preoperatively restricted ROM of 100° flexion (range, 78°-120°) and extension of 30° (range, 15°-40°) were improved to 130° flexion (range, 120°-140°) and -5° hyperextension (range, -10°-0°). Pain, recorded as the pain subscore of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire for elbows, was significantly improved from 32 points (range, 20-50) preoperatively to 85 (range, 70-100) postoperatively (on a scale ranging from 0 [worst pain] to 100 [pain-free]). Recurrence occurred in 2 patients (18.2%) who then received arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal again. There were no fractures or neurovascular complications, and no patient developed an infection.

Arthroscopic management of synovial chondromatosis of the elbow was an effective and safe therapeutic method. After the intervention, immediate and durable improvement of elbow function can be expected.