Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: a light and electron microscopic study

The light and electron microscopic features of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint of one patient are presented. The affected synovial membrane and the cartilaginous nodules, which were freely movable in the joint space as well as attached to or incorporated in the synovial membrane, were examined. Light microscopic observation revealed metaplastic formation of these nodules within the subintima of the synovial membrane. Different stages of development of the nodules were observable. Electron microscopic examination of the cartilaginous nodules revealed features of mature chondrocytes well endowed with rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The synovial intimal cells had a differentiated ultrastructural appearance. Several cytoplasmic organelles of the chondrocytes and intimal cells are described. The results of this study support the benign nature of synovial chondromatosis.