Synovial chondromatosis of the temporo-mandibular joint. Report of three cases and a review of the literature

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

A case report of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is presented in which the limitations of clinical findings, needle biopsy, standard radiography and computer assisted tomography were exposed and the importance of clinico-pathology consultation reaffirmed.

The diagnostic value of computed tomography in temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint was diagnosed and location of dens particles was assessed by means of computed tomography. Based upon the data collected, the joint was operated conservatively and most of the calcifications were removed leaving the patient symptom free. The importance of an accurate preoperative diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis by use of CT scan is stressed in view of numerous unnecessary condylectomies and parotidectomies reported in the literature.

Synovial chondromatosis with intracranial extension. A case report

A case of unilateral synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension is presented. Extracapsular extension of these lesions is rare, and few cases have previously been reported. The case presentation will also reflect the inadequacy of routine preoperative temporomandibular joint x-ray films to reflect the extent of the lesion. Despite the benign nature of the lesion, excision was done because of the clinical aggressive behavior.

CT diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a very rare condition. It is characterised by the presence of loose bodies in the joint space. Clinical signs, histopathological findings and radiography play an important role in the diagnostic process. Conventional X-rays have shown to be of limited value, for they fail to depict the intra-articular loose bodies in a significant amount of cases. Axial as well as coronal computer tomography (CT) is extremely useful in detecting loose bodies in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this report we present and discuss a further case, and the use of CT in the diagnosis of TMJ-synovial chondromatosis is illustrated.

Synovial chondromatosis associated with experimental osteoarthritis in adult monkeys

This report describes the synovial response to temporomandibular joint disc perforation in an experimental animal model. Histologic examination revealed the presence of marked synovial membrane hypertrophy in all experimental joint recesses. Gradual transformation of synovial islands from a cellular to a metaplastic stage, with chondroid or even osteochondroid-containing tissue also was seen. The cartilage was arranged in a lobular pattern with intervening fibrous septae within the synovial islands. These synovial islands were observed in the anterior recess of three joints and in the posterior recess of another joint. The experimental findings suggest a relation between synovial chondromatosis and osteoarthritis.

Arthroscopic observation and treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint. Report of a case and review of the literature

Synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ is a rare disorder of unknown etiology that may be neoplastic or hyperplastic in nature. A histopathologically confirmed case, the first to be identified and treated by arthroscopy, is presented. Removal of the affected synovial tissue and of loose particles was accomplished arthroscopically, a relatively non-invasive alternative to open arthrotomy.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging: report of a case

A case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with extracapsular extension is described. Temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance imaging proved invaluable in establishing a definitive diagnosis.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint. Review of the literature and case report

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon, benign condition of unknown etiology which affects articular joints. Foci of cartilage develop through metaplasia in the underlying connective tissue of the synovial membrane. These foci of cartilage enlarge with time into cartilage fragments, and may be detached from the affected synovium and released into the joint cavity. These cartilaginous foci and fragments may undergo calcification and ossification. The literature is reviewed and an additional case reported.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension. Case report

The authors report the unusual presentation of an intracranial extension of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint. The patient presented with a peripheral facial nerve paralysis and anacusis. Computerized tomography revealed the lesion, but fine-needle biopsy was inconclusive. Craniotomy with removal of the tumor was performed, and pathological studies confirmed the diagnosis. The facial nerve dysfunction was thought to be secondary to direct neural compression.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: a light and electron microscopic study

The light and electron microscopic features of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint of one patient are presented. The affected synovial membrane and the cartilaginous nodules, which were freely movable in the joint space as well as attached to or incorporated in the synovial membrane, were examined. Light microscopic observation revealed metaplastic formation of these nodules within the subintima of the synovial membrane. Different stages of development of the nodules were observable. Electron microscopic examination of the cartilaginous nodules revealed features of mature chondrocytes well endowed with rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The synovial intimal cells had a differentiated ultrastructural appearance. Several cytoplasmic organelles of the chondrocytes and intimal cells are described. The results of this study support the benign nature of synovial chondromatosis.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign, chronic, progressive synovial metaplasia that will not resolve spontaneously. Although it is non-neoplastic, the condition can easily be mistaken histologically as malignant. One Chinese male patient with synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is described. Awareness of this rare lesion is important to prevent overdiagnosis and radical treatment. Treatment consists of synovectomy and removal of loose bodies within the joint space.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is a rare, benign condition of metaplastic change of the synovium. A case is reported and the world literature is reviewed.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

An illustrative case of synovial chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region is presented, and 36 cases reported earlier are reviewed. The present patient, a 35-year-old woman, had been suffering from swelling and pain in the TMJ area as well as limited mandibular movements for 7 years. The condition had been treated with various conservative methods without any relief of the symptoms. Finally, radiological examination revealed calcified nodules within the joint space and a surgical exploration was performed. In all, 27 loose particles were removed from the joint in connection with the extirpation of the perforated and deformed disk. The result of surgical therapy has been favourable during the follow-up period of 18 months. Although synovial chondromatosis is rare in the TMJ, it should be kept in mind as one possible disease when treating patients suffering from symptoms similar to those of mandibular dysfunction syndrome.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

A case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is reported. The clinical, radiological, pathological and surgical features are discussed.