A method of elbow arthrodesis: brief report.

VOL. 71-B, No. 1. JANUARY 1989 Both RH and FH underwent arthrotomy and synovectomy. Multiple free osteochondromatous bodies were removed as well as several smaller ones attached to the synovium. The histology of the synovium in both cases was similar, showing metaplastic foci of cartilage in the synovial tissue beneath the lining layer, typical of synovial chondromatosis. Some areas were undergoing calcification or ossification (Fig. 2). All the affected individuals in this family were tall and thin with a remarkably similar body habitus. Discussion. Most authors point out that conditions other than synovial chondromatosis may be associated with the presence of radiopaque intra-articular loose bodies (Milgram 1977; Murphy, Dahlin and Sullivan 1962; Mussey and Henderson 1949; Wilmoth 1941). The critical criterion of synovial chondromatosis is the presence of intra-synovial and metaplastic cartilage which was present in both of our patients who had biopsies. All three showed degeneration, probably resulting from prolonged mechanical derangement. Each of our patients first developed symptoms at an age when osteoarthritis is not seen; in fact, their presentation was typical of synovial chondromatosis, in that they were young men with involvement of the knee. Their pedigree does not represent a clear-cut genetic pattern but it is consistent with a sex-linked pattern of inheritance with variable penetrance (Fig. 3).