Synovial Chondromatosis of the Elbow Joint in a 27-Year-Old Man: A Case Report

Introduction: Multiple intraarticular loose bodies are pathognomonic for the Synovial chondromatosis. This disorder affects a wide age range from adults to childhood with no sex dominance. Malignant transformation is rare to date, and there are approximately 34 cases in literature about the transformation of synovial chondromatosis to chondrosarcoma. Case: We present case of a 27-year-old patient who had synovial chondromatosis in his elbow. Discussion: Radiographic findings are usually pathognomonic for the diagnosis. Multiple calcified loose bodies can be seen in the joint in radiographs. Computed tomography (CT) optimally depicts the calcified intraarticular fragments and extrinsic bone erosion. However, because the radioopacity cannot be detected in 1/3 of the cases, diagnosis becomes difficult. Treatment modalities include arthroscopic or open extraction of the loose bodies and arthropasty in the presence of severe osteoarthritis. Conclusion: Synovial chondromatosis should be kept in the differential dignosis of the chronic monoarticular pain and painful limitations of the range of motions of the joints.