Synovial chondromatosis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition characterized by cartilage metaplasia within the synovium.
• It leads to the formation of multiple intra-articular loose bodies, causing significant joint pain and disability.
• Diagnosis can be delayed due to the uncommon appearance of loose bodies on plain radiographs.

Observation:

• Two patients presented with long-standing, disabling hip pain unresponsive to conventional diagnostic methods.
• Routine studies did not reveal the underlying cause of their symptoms.
• Hip arthrography and arthrotomography revealed multiple intra-articular filling defects suggestive of nonradiopaque loose bodies.

Findings:

• Intra-articular filling defects observed during arthrography were confirmed as loose bodies during arthrotomy.
• The findings are consistent with synovial chondromatosis, a rare cause of hip joint pathology.
• The nonradiopaque nature of the loose bodies explained their absence on initial radiographic evaluations.

Implications:

• Arthrography and arthrotomography are valuable diagnostic tools for identifying intra-articular loose bodies in cases of suspected synovial chondromatosis.
• These imaging techniques are recommended for patients with disabling hip symptoms when initial evaluations are inconclusive.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes for patients with this rare condition.