Primary synovial osteochondromatosis of the first interphalangeal joint of the foot: A case report

A Rare Case of Synovial Chondromatosis in the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of the Right Index Finger

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition that is also known as Reichel syndrome. It is a disorder that affects the monoarticular joints. The proliferation and metaplasia of the synovial cartilage are its defining characteristics. Many tiny, intra-articular osseocartilaginous loose bodies are formed as a result of this proliferation. They are fed by the synovial fluid once they break off from the synovial surface and enter the joint cavity, where they develop into calcification and ossification. If left untreated, it usually causes the afflicted joint to malfunction severely. Large joints such as the knee, hip, elbow, and shoulder joints are frequently the sites of nodular proliferation. Smaller joints such as the hand's interphalangeal and metacarpal joints and thumb are among the more unusual locations. Although the disease usually resolves on its own, conservative management options include painkillers, activity modification, and cryotherapy. Surgical options include synovectomy, which is the gold standard procedure and involves removing the loose bodies. The following case study presents a 60-year-old female patient with a rare instance of synovial chondromatosis. She presented to the outpatient department (OPD) due to escalating pain and swelling in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of her right index finger, which significantly restricted her range of motion. On the hand X-ray, several small, uniformly sized calcified bodies were visible within the synovium. After negative results from autoimmune disease tests, the patient was recommended for surgical exploration as the patient reported a six-month increase in pain and difficulty flexing his index finger. Surgical exploration of the PIP joint and adjacent proximal and middle phalanx revealed several small, evenly sized, firm, smooth, creamy-white nodules. Post-op, the patient was given a splint cast for a span of seven days, followed by physical therapy, and the range of motion was achieved by the end of six months.

Synovial chondromatosis of the foot: Two case reports and literature review

BACKGROUND

Primary synovial chondromatosis (PSC) is a rare arthropathy of the synovial joints characterized by the formation of cartilaginous nodules, which may detach and become loose bodies within the joint and may undergo secondary proliferation. PSC of the foot and ankle is exceedingly rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. The diagnosis may be difficult and delayed until operative treatment, when it is confirmed by histological assessment. PSC may degenerate into chondrosarcoma. Operative treatment is the gold standard aiming to minimize pain, improve function, prevent or limit progression of arthritis. Surgical treatment consists in debridement by arthrotomic or arthroscopic management, but there is no consensus in the literature about timing of surgery and surgical technique. Thus, the aim of this study is to report the outcomes of the surgical treatment of two cases, together with a literature review.

CASE SUMMARY

We report two cases of patients affected by PSC of the foot in stage III, according to the Milgram classification: the former PSC localized in the ankle that underwent open surgery consisted of loose bodies removal; the latter in the subtalar joint, and the choice of treatment was the arthrotomy and debridement from loose bodies, in addition to the subtalar arthrodesis. Both patients returned to complete daily and working life after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign pathology, even rarer in the ankle joint and especially in the foot. Surgery should be minimal in patients with ankle PSC, choosing the correct timing, waiting if possible until stage III. More aggressive and early surgery should be performed in patients with PSC of the foot, particularly the subtalar joint, due to the high risk of arthritic evolution.

Synovial Chondromatosis in the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: A Case Report of this Uncommon Condition and Review of Current Literature

Introduction

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a rare condition characterized by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules, which involves metaplastic changes of the synovium and is commonly found in larger joints. Occurrence in foot and ankle is uncommon, even less in metatarsophalangeal joints.

Case Report

A 54-year-old woman with primary synovial osteochondromatosis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint was treated by complete excision plus synovectomy. After 8years of follow-up, the patient remains symptom free with no recurrence observed. A summary of the case and review of all published cases found in the current literature around this location is discussed.

Conclusion

Though rare, synovial chondromatosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a refractory synovitis and tumor mass in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux.

Primary synovial chondromatosis of the subtalar joint: case report and review of the literature

Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign condition of uncertain etiology manifested by synovial proliferation. In the radiology literature, there is only 1 prior case report of primary synovial chondromatosis involving the subtalar joint with only partial description of the imaging appearance. We present a 28-year-old female with primary synovial chondromatosis of the subtalar joint and conduct a literature review of the imaging features of primary synovial chondromatosis presenting in the feet.