Radiological findings of Secondary Synovial Chondromatosis of Elbow Joint: A Case Report

Abstract

Synovial Chondromatosis (SC), previously known as synovial osteochondromatosis, is usually an uncommonly encountered condition. Pathologically, the condition involves the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules that arise from the synovium of facet joints and may detach from the synovium to form loose bodies in or around the joint space. While X-rays help in the early detection of loose bodies in SC, advanced diagnostic modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) aid in preoperative diagnosis and work-up. Authors hereby, report a unique case of secondary SC of the elbow joint in a 50-year-old male patient who presented with complaints of swelling, chronic elbow pain, and joint stiffness with restricted movement following an old traumatic injury. The patient was clinically misdiagnosed as having ‘Myositis Ossificans’ due to the history of massaging the elbow joint following trauma by a local practitioner. However, radiological investigations revealed multiple intra- and extra-articular loose bodies of varying sizes and stages of calcification, leading to a diagnosis of ‘Secondary SC’. SC is a rare entity that is often misdiagnosed during clinical examinations. Therefore, extensive radiological evaluation is necessary for the accurate and early diagnosis of the condition. Early surgical management can restore the Range of Motion (ROM) of the affected joint and prevent secondary osteoarthritic changes.

Keywords

• computed tomography scan
• loose bodies
• synovium
• x-ray