A Case Report Of "Synovial Chondromatosis Of Elbow" Treated With Synovectomy

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare non- malignant bone tumor. Most commonly middle aged people are affected . This condition most commonly occurs in knee joints, and rarely, it may occur in other joints. Patient usually complaints of pain, swelling and restrictions of movements at the affected joint. Diagnosis is made through thorough clinical examination and Radiological investigation. Condition is treated with open synovectomy with the removal of loose bodies. If not treated in time the patient might develop early osteoarthritic changes and rarely develop into malignancy in few cases.

A 43 year old female came with complaints of pain and stiffness over the right elbow which aggravates on movements without alleged history of trauma. The patient was diagnosed with synovial chondromatosis after appropriate radiological investigation. The patient underwent open synovectomy and post operatively adequate physiotherapy was initiated at the operated elbow. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient improved clinically and functionally.

Synovial chondromatosis of the elbow is a rare benign orthopedic condition that appears as multiple hyaline cartilage nodules within sub synovial connective tissue. Complete excision of synovium is necessary to prevent the recurrence and for better clinical outcome.