Objective: To study the diagnosis and treatment of synovial chondromatosis.
Method: 13 cases of synovial chondromatosis were studied by pathological observation, X-ray examination and clinical research.
Results: Intermittent joint pain, swelling, limited motion, joint snapping or rubbing were found, sometimes with joint interlocking and movable mass in the joint. X-ray showed fewer loose bodies than the actual ones in the joint. Rough surface, congestion and thickening of synovial membrane at the lesion were found during the operation. Proliferation of blood vessels, accumulation of lymphocytes and proliferation of synovial superficial cells and fibrous tissue were observed under the microscope. The loose body consisted of many tubercles microscopically.
Conclusions: The combination of clinical observation, X-ray examination and pathological diagnosis is essential to the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis. Excision of loose body and synovial membrane may lead to satisfying results.