Unveiling the Dance of Crystals: A Surgical Odyssey in the Open Excision of Synovial Chondromatosis in the Right Knee

Cureus. 2024 Mar 25;16(3):e56901. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56901. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Within the synovial membrane, cartilaginous nodules form as a result of a relatively rare joint condition called synovial chondromatosis. This case study describes the open surgical treatment of a male patient, age 25, who had severe discomfort in his right knee. The patient had synovial chondromatosis. The choice for open surgery was made because of the large and difficult nature of the lesions, even though arthroscopic procedures are commonly used in the management of this problem. The patient's history included a restricted range of motion, edema, and chronic right knee discomfort. Multiple intra-articular loose bodies were discovered during the clinical examination and imaging examinations, which led to the decision to do surgery. Owing to the size and position of the chondromatous lesions, an open surgical technique was considered suitable. Given the favorable result in this young adult patient, open surgical management of synovial chondromatosis may be an effective treatment option, especially in cases with complicated or widespread involvement.

Keywords: arthroscopy; arthrotomy; chondromatosis; open surgery; synovial.

Publication types

  • Case Reports