Arthrodesis of the shoulder for synovial osteochondromatosis

A case of synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC) in a young deerhound's shoulder is reviewed. The age of onset and initially unaffected articular surfaces suggested primary SOC. Histological criteria for primary versus secondary osteochondromatosis are contradictory and unclear. Initial loose body removal and partial synovectomy resulted in several months of improvement but loose bodies returned. Severe degenerative changes were found one year after the initial exploratory surgery. Arthrodesis resulted in a functional, non-painful joint.