Results of total hip and total knee arthroplasties in patients with synovial chondromatosis

Arthroscopic management of recurrent synovial chondromatosis of the hip: a case report

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition characterized by the chondral proliferation of synovium forming loose bodies which can lead to pain, swelling, and decreased range of movement of the affected joint.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here the authors report a case of eighteen years lady with recurrent hip synovial chondromatosis who was treated previously with hip arthrotomy and loose bodies removal and now she underwent arthroscopic loose bodies removal with partial synovectomy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

In comparison to arthrotomy of the hip, arthroscopic management is a minimally invasive surgery that is associated with decreased postoperative pain, earlier improvement in range of motion, a shorter course of rehabilitation, and overall lower morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the authors recommend arthroscopic removal of the loose bodies and partial synovectomy for the management of synovial chondromatosis of the hip.

De Novo Synovial Chondromatosis following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

In this case report, we present a rare case of a female patient who developed pain and swelling after a total knee arthroplasty. An extensive diagnostic workup including serum and synovial testing to rule out infection was performed in addition to advanced imaging including an MRI of the knee, but it was only after an arthroscopic synovectomy that the diagnosis of secondary synovial chondromatosis was confirmed. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the occurrence of secondary synovial chondromatosis as a rare cause of pain and swelling after total knee arthroplasty, thereby assisting clinicians in providing prompt diagnosis, surgical treatment, and efficient recovery in the setting of secondary synovial chondromatosis after total knee arthroplasty.

Synovial Chondromatosis in a Rural Healthcare Setting

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, and metaplastic cause of joint swelling resulting in the formation of cartilaginous nodules in the joint space. It is usually an oligoarticular disorder of large joints that typically manifests in the third to fifth decade of life. Synovial chondromatosis can be primary or secondary depending on whether an underlying etiology can be identified. Diagnosis can be made using imaging studies of the affected joint and confirmed on histopathology. Management of synovial chondromatosis can be done arthroscopically or surgically. We present a case of a 23-year-old male who presented with a long history of right knee pain, swelling, and limitation in range of motion. An X-ray of the knee showed multiple intra-articular and soft tissue calcifications. Due to the limitations of our setting, we proceeded with an open biopsy. During arthrotomy, clear straw-colored fluid with multiple nodules of varied sizes was found. A google image search helped put us in the direction of the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis. We did a complete evacuation of loose bodies and a biopsy of synovium, which confirmed the diagnosis. The rarity of synovial chondromatosis results in a delay in the diagnosis. With the thoughtful application of resources and surgical principles, synovial chondromatosis can be safely and effectively managed in resource-limited settings.

Synovial Osteochondromatosis: Clinical Characteristics Unique to the Shoulder

Background

Synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC) of the shoulder is a rare condition with unclear characteristics. This study evaluated the clinical features and postoperative functional outcomes of SOC of the shoulder that are distinct from SOC of other joints.

Methods

The characteristics of 28 shoulders with SOC that underwent arthroscopy were retrospectively assessed. Ten shoulders (35.7%) had rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and underwent concomitant arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The mean follow-up period was 83.6 months (range, 24-154 months). Demographic characteristics and loose bodies localized under arthroscopy were compared between cases with and without concomitant RCTs. Radiography, ultrasonography, or magnetic resonance imaging were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and satisfaction were evaluated for all cases, and functional scores were assessed in shoulders with concomitant RCTs.

Results

The average age was 36.2 ± 15.6 years among patients without RCTs and 58.3 ± 7.2 years among patients with RCTs. Seven shoulders (7%) had osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy revealed loose bodies in multiple spaces, including the glenohumeral joint, subacromial (SA) space, and biceps tendon sheath. Overall, loose bodies were found in multiple spaces in 12 shoulders (42.9%). Loose bodies were found in the SA space only in 4 shoulders (22.2%) without RCTs and in 7 shoulders (70.0%) with RCTs. VAS for pain decreased significantly from 3.9 ± 2.3 to 1.1 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001). The functional scores increased significantly after arthroscopic management for patients with concurrent RCTs (all p < 0.05). Recurrence of SOC occurred in 3 of the 22 shoulders (13.6%) who underwent postoperative imaging, but no patient had a recurrent RCT.

Conclusions

Pain relief and patient satisfaction were achieved via arthroscopic management. Unlike in other joints, loose bodies can occur simultaneously in several spaces in the shoulder, including the glenohumeral joint, SA space, and biceps tendon sheath. Early diagnosis of SOC of the SA space can help prevent osteoarthritis and RCT progression.

Incidental Finding of Synovial Osteochondromatosis: A Case Report

Synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC) is a rare, benign condition of unknown etiology characterized by the formation of cartilaginous loose bodies. This often leads to early osteoarthritis with decreased range of motion and pain. Clinical presentation most often is reported as monoarticular pain affecting the knee or less commonly the hip shoulder or elbow. Diagnosis can be confirmed on x-ray imaging where the characteristic synovial bodies will be identified. Management with early debridement of the synovium will often be curative but more complex cases may require further surgical management.

We present a 33-year-old male presented with localized left knee pain. Given the history of new-onset pain, left knee x-rays were obtained that revealed a displaced patella with multiple ossific densities around the left knee which were suspicious for a new diagnosis of SOC.

Due to its nonspecific symptoms and imaging, the diagnosis of SOC is often delayed or missed. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are important in order to avoid irreversible cartilage destruction in the joint, prevent the development of chronic pain, and reduce the risk of malignant transformation.

Evaluation and Management of Intra-Articular Tumors of the Knee

Intra-articular tumors of the knee are most commonly benign. Overall, this is a relatively rare clinical presentation. The differential diagnosis includes pigmented villonodular synovitis, synovial chondromatosis, lipoma arborescens, synovial hemangioma, and very rarely primary sarcoma (synovial sarcoma being the most common). The clinical presentation for these conditions is usually non-specific, but radiographic and advanced imaging findings are able to differentiate some of these tumors. It is essential to obtain and send tissue specimens to pathology for histologic analysis to rule out a primary malignancy as a missed diagnosis can have grave implications on patient outcomes. This review summarized key aspects of diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.

Secondary synovial chondromatosis of the subacromial subdeltoid bursa with coexisting glenohumeral osteoarthritis: Case report

RATIONALE

Synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder joint is uncommon; this condition usually affects the knee joint and the hip joint. Lesions of multiple chondral nodules form in the synovium and are usually found within the joint capsule. Treatment of synovial chondromatosis consists of loose body removal and synovectomy. In synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder, arthroscopic loose body removal and synovectomy have been reported with good outcomes. Arthroplasty can be a treatment option when osteoarthritis co-occurs at the affected joint. Since incidence of glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is low compared to osteoarthritis of the knee or hip joints, reports of shoulder synovial chondromatosis treated with arthroplasty are scarce.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 79-year-old woman presented with right shoulder pain with loss of motion for several years without a history of trauma.

DIAGNOSES

Degenerative changes in the humeral head and glenoid were noted and multiple loose bodies were found in the subdeltoid bursa, and the subacromial bursa. The pathology of loose bodies showed degenerated cartilage tissue and some bony components. Characteristic concentric rings of calcification were observed, indicative of secondary synovial chondromatosis. The diagnosis was secondary synovial chondromatosis of the subacromial subdeltoid bursa with coexisting glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with loose body removal, extensive synovectomy, bursectomy and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

OUTCOMES

Visual analog scale for shoulder pain, range of motion of shoulder joint had improved demonstrating a good short-term outcome and there was no radiographic evidence of disease recurrence.

LESSONS

In synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder, loose bodies may form in the bursa. In combination with degenerative osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, arthroplasty is a viable option.

Systematic Arthroscopic Treatment of Synovial Chondromatosis of the Knee

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign metaplastic disease of the synovial joints, characterized by the development of cartilaginous nodules in the synovium. Treatment generally includes open or arthroscopic loose body removal combined with a synovectomy. An all-arthroscopic approach has been described to minimize complications and reduce morbidity while providing adequate control of local disease. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our techniques and technical pearls that allow for adequate excision of disease while minimizing complications and disease recurrence. The combination of patient positioning, the establishment of multiple arthroscopic portals to ensure optimal visualization and freedom of instruments, the use of a leg holder, and the use of a variety of surgical instruments to facilitate loose body removal and synovectomy is critical to optimize clinical outcomes and minimize complications. Although technically demanding, our described technique can help facilitate extensive loose body removal and complete synovectomy.

Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of hip joint

PURPOSE

This retrospective study summarized the clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic manifestation of synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the hip, along with the post-operative effect to discuss the curative effect of arthroscopic management of hip SC.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery from the same surgeon for hip SC were followed up for an average of 45 months. T-shaped capsulotomy was routinely performed in each case. Visual analog scale, range of motion, modified Harris Hip Score, and International Hip Outcome Tool score were collected preoperatively and at the time of the latest follow-up. All patients' demographics, radiographs, and arthroscopic images were collected to summarize and conclude the similarities and differences of their manifestation.

RESULTS

Large wedged clumps of loose bodies demonstrated distinguishable radiographic, arthroscopic appearance and demanded a different surgical strategy. Postoperative scores were all significantly improved. One case of residual pain and two cases of residual loose bodies with no symptom related were reported at the final follow-up. All but one patient were satisfied with the outcome.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopy treatment of hip SC with T-shaped capsulotomy has demonstrated a good result in terms of clinical outcome score, recurrence rate, and complication rate. On the basis of this study, we concluded the clinical performance of large wedged clumps of loose bodies of hip SC.

Long-Term Outcome of Hip Arthroplasty in the Setting of Synovial Chondromatosis

BACKGROUND

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare disease involving cartilaginous metaplasia of synovial tissue. Treatment via synovectomy and loose body removal alone results in elevated recurrence rates, with up to 1 in 5 patients requiring conversion to a hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to investigate outcomes of hip arthroplasty in the setting of SC, focusing on (1) disease-specific survival, (2) implant survivorship and complications, and (3) clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We identified 26 patients with histologically confirmed SC who underwent hip arthroplasty between 1970 and 2015. Mean follow-up and patient age were 10 years (range 2-35) and 55 years (range 26-82), respectively. At the time of arthroplasty, 21 (81%) patients had "active" disease and underwent synovectomy. No constrained acetabular components were used. Six patients (23%) had a preoperative flexion contracture.

RESULTS

The 15-year disease-free survival was 89%. Recurrence occurred in 3 patients at a mean of 0.8 years (range 0.03-1.2) postoperatively. Thirteen patients (50%) sustained a complication [most commonly aseptic loosening (n = 3, 12%)] and 7 required revision surgery. The 10-year and 15-year revision-free survival was 82% and 64%, respectively. Mean Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 50 (range 23-85) preoperatively to 82 (range 44-100) postoperatively (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Arthroplasty with simultaneous synovectomy provides reliable pain relief and excellent disease-specific survival at long-term follow-up; however, revision and complication rates were high.

High Rate of Local Recurrence and Complications Following Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Setting of Synovial Chondromatosis

BACKGROUND

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, monoarticular arthropathy due to synovial metaplasia. There is a paucity of data examining the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of synovial chondromatosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcome and function in patients undergoing TKA for management of synovial chondromatosis.

METHODS

Twenty patients who received TKA for synovial chondromatosis over a 25-year period were identified for analysis and followed for a mean of 7 years. There were 12 males and 8 females, with a mean age and body mass index of 63 years and 30.7 kg/m². Seventeen patients had "active" disease at the time of surgery.

RESULTS

The 5-year disease-free survival was 73%. Five patients sustained a recurrence that was treated with synovectomy and revision TKA (n = 2), observation (n = 2), and transfemoral amputation (n = 1) due to malignant degeneration to chondrosarcoma. One of the revision TKA patients underwent a transfemoral amputation 4 months later for recurrence. The overall rate of amputation was 10%. Nine patients (45%) sustained a complication, most commonly decreased knee motion (n = 7), leading to a revision TKA in 3 patients (15%). Mean preoperative knee range of motion was 73°, which improved to 97° postoperatively. The Knee Society Score and functional assessment improved from 35 and 42 preoperatively to 74 and 67 following TKA.

CONCLUSION

TKA in the setting of synovial chondromatosis improves patient function and knee range of motion; however, there is a high rate of local recurrence and complications.

A diagnostic approach to popliteal fossa masses

There is a myriad of potential mass lesions that occur in the popliteal fossa, which present as palpable masses or are found incidentally on imaging. With a thorough knowledge and understanding of the appearances and locations of these different entities, one can narrow the differential diagnoses in the majority of cases. This will eliminate unnecessary additional investigations and enable a more rapid management. We present a review of frequently encountered and less common entities using an anatomical sieve, with the aim of providing a diagnostic approach to popliteal fossa masses.

A Novel Complication of the Dall-Miles Cable Grip System Mimicking Recurrent Synovial Chondromatosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

CASE

A 25-year-old man with synovial chondromatosis of the hip was treated with a synovectomy through a transtrochanteric approach; the repair was made with use of a Dall-Miles cable. Approximately 13 years later, the patient returned with a massive bursal reaction and a cyst containing "rice bodies." Although the physical examination and imaging were suggestive of recurrent synovial chondromatosis, the bursal reaction actually represented a novel complication of the Dall-Miles system.

CONCLUSION

When a patient who has had prior orthopaedic instrumentation presents with pain and imaging that demonstrates formation of a bursal cyst, a cyst containing rice bodies secondary to bursal irritation by the implant should be considered.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Severe Synovial Osteochondromatosis in an Osteoarthritic Knee

Synovial osteochondromatosis (SO) can occur idiopathic or secondary to osteoarthritis. SO can be easily diagnosed with plain film radiography and clinical findings. In case of disabling osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty and removal of all corpora libra are indicated. We present a 71-year-old woman with significant osteoarthritis and severe SO intra-articular and in the suprapatellar bursa of the right knee. Total knee arthroplasty, extraction of the loose bodies, and partial synovectomy were performed. During a 2.5-year follow-up, the patient regained full function of her affected knee and there was no recurrence of SO. We choose to present this case to show the extensiveness SO can occur in. Our advice is to remove all the loose bodies carefully to prevent damage to the prosthesis. During follow-up, special attention should be paid to prevent recurrence of SO. When recurrence is associated with rapid growth or destruction of joints, malignant reoccurrence must be considered.

Staphylococcal persistence due to biofilm formation in synovial fluid containing prophylactic cefazolin

Antibiotic prophylaxis is standard for patients undergoing surgical procedures, yet despite the wide use of antibiotics, breakthrough infections still occur. In the setting of total joint arthroplasty, such infections can be devastating. Recent findings have shown that synovial fluid causes marked staphylococcal aggregation, which can confer antibiotic insensitivity. We therefore asked in this study whether clinical samples of synovial fluid that contain preoperative prophylactic antibiotics can successfully eradicate a bacterial challenge by pertinent bacterial species. This study demonstrates that preoperative prophylaxis with cefazolin results in high antibiotic levels. Furthermore, we show that even with antibiotic concentrations that far exceed the expected bactericidal levels, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria added to the synovial fluid samples are not eradicated and are able to colonize model implant surfaces, i.e., titanium pins. Based on these studies, we suggest that current prophylactic antibiotic choices, despite high penetration into the synovial fluid, may need to be reexamined.

Bilateral synovial chondromatosis in the knee joint with both intra and extra-articular diseases

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It usually occurs unilaterally in the large joints like the knee, but may occur in the shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle and temporomandibular joints. The disease is usually intracapsular, but can also be extracapsular on rare occasions. The diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis is given after an anamnesis, physical examination and radiographic examination. However, the diagnosis is obtained after histological examination of the synovial tissue. We report an unusual presentation of bilateral synovial chondromatosis in the knee joint, with both intra and extracapsular localization. never described in the literature. Although synovial chondromatosis is described as a benign disease, it can be very destructive and debilitating. These lesions can mimic a malignant tumor and present a diagnostic problem.

Arthroscopic surgery for synovial chondromatosis of the hip: a systematic review of rates and predisposing factors for recurrence

PURPOSE

Synovial chondromatosis of the hip is a benign condition whereby pain and functional limitations occur due to numerous intra-articular osteochondral fragments produced by a metaplastic synovium. Recurrence not only worsens morbidity but may lead to malignant transformation. With reported recurrence rates as high as 22% by open surgical approaches and given the increasing use of hip arthroscopy for the treatment of synovial chondromatosis, we sought to quantify the recurrence rate after arthroscopy, as well as identify predisposing factors for recurrence.

METHODS

Using predetermined inclusion criteria, 3 electronic databases--Embase, Medline, and PubMed-were searched for relevant articles addressing arthroscopic surgery for synovial chondromatosis of the hip across all available dates up to and including February 16, 2014. A hand search of the reference sections of the included studies was also completed. Article screening was conducted in duplicate. Reviewer agreement statistics and descriptive statistics of the included studies are presented.

RESULTS

From an initial retrieval of 2,542 studies, 14 studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion. A total of 197 patients (age range, 13 to 81 years) underwent hip arthroscopy for removal of intra-articular osteochondral fragments and synovectomy to alleviate both mechanical symptoms and pain. Follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 184 months, with approximately 7.6% of patients (15 of 197) lost to follow-up. The recurrence rate after hip arthroscopy was 7.1% (14 of 197), and the rate of minor complications, such as perineal and pedal neurapraxia, was 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

For synovial chondromatosis of the hip, arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments with synovectomy is both safe and effective, with a mean recurrence rate of 7.1%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Oncologic conditions that simulate common sports injuries

Primary bone and soft-tissue tumors that mimic common sports injuries are relatively rare and are not often encountered by most orthopaedists. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of these tumors is crucial to maximize the clinical outcome. Many bone and soft-tissue tumors present disproportionately in young and active patients who are often involved in athletic activities. Thus, the clinician may misdiagnose these rare tumors as more common sports injuries. Symptoms that should raise suspicion for a neoplastic process include pain unrelated to activity and a clinical course that does not follow the typically expected recovery for a common sports injury. An awareness of the salient features of several bone and soft-tissue tumors as well as nononcologic processes that may simulate sports injuries can aid clinicians in the prompt diagnosis and clinical decision making of these rare tumors.

New-onset synovial chondromatosis after total knee arthroplasty

Total joint arthroplasty is commonly recommended as a definitive treatment for synovial chondromatosis refractory to other treatment. We describe a unique case of synovial chondromatosis developing after total joint arthroplasty in a patient presenting 5 years after total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. This case illustrates that the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis cannot be excluded in a patient with chronic, painful swelling of a joint, even after total joint arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty in a patient with pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism

Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple musculoskeletal anomalies and normal serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels. Although the musculoskeletal manifestations of PPH are well known, little has been reported on the management of orthopedic problems. We report a case of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed in a patient with PPH. To our knowledge, this case is not only unique to the arthroplasty literature but is the first report of its kind. This report illustrates the unique pathoanatomy of PPH, the medical and surgical management required, and a previously unreported musculoskeletal abnormality associated with PPH: synovial osteochondromatosis of the knee. Common musculoskeletal anomalies associated with PPH include shortening/bowing of long bones; shortening of metacarpals, metatarsals, and/or phalanges; exostoses; calcification/ossification of subcutaneous and/or periarticular soft tissues; a thickened calvarium; microcephaly; bony coalitions of the hand; vertebral column abnormalities; cubitus valgus; radius/ulna curvus; coxa vara; coxa valga; and genu valgum. This case is the first to report an association of synovial osteochondromatosis with PPH. Because synovial osteochondromatosis and PPH share a common disorder of soft tissue calcification/ossification, as well as abnormal bone formation, this clinical finding does not seem merely coincidental.

A rare case of a swollen knee due to disseminated synovial chondromatosis: a case report

Introduction

A synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign neoplasm on the synovium. Although described as a benign disease, it can be very destructive and can cause severe osteoarthritis and pain. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first known case of an extensive presentation of this intra-articular and extra-articular disease of the knee joint.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old Caucasian man presented with right knee pain and stiffness caused by diffuse intra-articular and extra-articular synovial chondromatosis. He underwent careful preoperative imaging and planning followed by a two-stage arthroscopic and open procedure in order to completely eradicate the disease. He has regained full range of movement, but continues to experience residual pain due to severe osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

Although synovial chondromatosis is described as a benign disease, it can be very destructive and debilitating. A challenging management dilemma arises when confronted with both synovial chondromatosis and osteoarthritis.

Hip resurfacing as treatment for synovial chondromatosis

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition of metaplastic cartilage development in the synovial membrane of joints. These foci can form free bodies and lead to mechanical arthrosis. The precise etiology is unknown. All synovial joints can be affected, with the hip and knee being most common. Patients with synovial chondromatosis are usually in their fifth decade and typically present with mechanical pain and diffuse swelling. Due to its rarity and nonspecific manifestations, diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis is often delayed until significant mechanical damage and arthrosis has occurred.Controversy exists regarding surgical treatment of synovial chondromatosis, especially with regard to the hip. Localized disease can be treated with resection of affected synovium (possibly arthroscopically), whereas patients with generalized disease require complete, open synovectomy. With articular damage, total hip replacement has been advocated along with synovectomy.This article presents a case of a young man with painful hip synovial chondromatosis who was successfully treated with hip resurfacing and synovectomy after failed hip arthroscopy. Hip resurfacing provides the surgeon with the opportunity to address not only local or generalized synovial disease, but articular damage as well. Furthermore, its bone-preserving properties make this option attractive in the management of this younger patient population. We feel resurfacing has a role in the surgical treatment of synovial chondromatosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of hip resurfacing arthroplasty for the definitive treatment of synovial chondromatosis.

[Synovial chondromatosis]

Primary articular synovial chondromatosis is a benign, self-limiting neoplastic process in which hyaline cartilage nodules form in the synovial tissue. The disease most frequently affects the knee in men, followed by the elbow. The basic feature of this disease is a metaplastic maturation of the mesenchymal cells in the synovial membrane of a joint into cartilage. These cells mature into chondroblasts and form small nodules of cartilage in the synovial membrane. These nodules subsequently enlarge and detach to lie within the joint space. They become free within the joint as multiple small cartilaginous loose bodies nourished by the synovial fluid. The chondrocytes in the loose bodies continue to multiply, and the loose bodies grow in diameter. Calcification appears in the central zone of the loose bodies, and in some cases, enchondral ossification takes place. The operative therapy depends on the stage of the disease: synovectomy with removal of chondral fragments if active intrasynovial disease is present, and removal of the multiple chondral bodies alone in cases of late inactive disease with no synovial abnormalities. Malignant transformation is unusual and can be difficult to distinguish from benign disease.