Arthroscopically guided removal of large solitary synovial chondromatosis from the temporomandibular joint

TMJ synovial chondromatosis - an evaluation of 37 patients

PURPOSE

The authors evaluated a cohort of 37 patients with histologically verified synovial chondromatosis (SC) between 2013 and 2022.

METHODS

The cohort consisted of 37 patients (26 women, 11 men). 36 patients had unilateral involvement, while one patient had bilateral involvement. The average age of the patients was 54.77 years. The authors used the Milgram histopathological classification. They evaluated SC localisation, clinical symptoms, diagnostics and treatment (including recurrence incidence) in this cohort.

RESULTS

In 31 patients (83.7%) SC affected only the upper joint space in one patient (2.7%) the lower space, and in five patients (13.6%) both spaces. 12 patients (32%) were Milgram Stage 1 (presence of synovial metaplasia without loose bodies), eight patients (22%) were Stage 2 (presence of synovial changes, loose bodies), and 17 patients (46%) were Stage 3 (presence of loose bodies, no synovial changes). Pain was the dominant clinical symptom (32 patients, 86.4%). Treatment consisted of arthroscopy and open surgery. Two patients underwent primary reconstruction and total TMJ replacement. Treatment was successful in 89.2% of cases (33 patients), with four (10.8%) patients suffering recurrence.

CONCLUSION

As this patient cohort shows, pain was the dominant symptom in patients with SC. Magnetic resonance imaging is fundamental in the diagnosis of SC, demonstrating pathological findings even in patients for whom an initial X-ray was negative. These were mainly patients with Milgram Stages 1 and 2 without calcification, loose bodies or pathological changes of the bone structures. This is why the authors recommend MRI for any patient experiencing pain for more than three months, and if this reveals an effusion, joint distension or intraarticular soft tissue mass, they will always indicate arthroscopy. Thorough follow-up of patients is recommended, although SC recurrence is not very frequent. The authors recommend follow-up one, three and six months after surgery, and then annually for the first five years after surgery. They recommend follow-up MRI one, two and five years after surgery.

Comparative Evaluation of Success in Cases of Synovial Chondromatosis of Temporomandibular Joint Treated with Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy: A Case Series

Introduction

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is characterized by the formation of multiple nodules of cartilage with varying sizes due to metaplastic development of the synovial membrane. Aetiology revolves with primary lesion, and pathogenesis is still unknown with multiple factors, which includes low-grade trauma or internal derangement. This condition remains undiagnosed and leads to therapeutic challenges from clinical manifestations which are non-specific and needs various tools to diagnose with combination of radiologic and histopathological examination.

Materials and Method

We report a case series of five cases which were diagnosed as cases of TMD of the temporomandibular joint. Diagnostic arthroscopy including lysis and lavage with Ringers lactate, hyaluronic acid was carried out. Intra-operative findings were suggestive of synovial chondromatosis. Sample taken for histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis of TMJ. Postoperative status of mouth opening and pain was assessed at 15 days, one month, 3 months, 6 months and one year during the review to evaluate the success of arthroscopy of TMJ.

Results

All patients reported success with the modality of arthroscopy lysis and lavage at 12 months of follow-up with improvement at every follow-up visit in terms of range of motion and reduction of pain score on VAS. Hence, arthroscopy with lysis and lavage came out to be a promising alternative for open joint surgery in cases of synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ with same outcomes in relieving patients who complain of reduced maximum inter-incisal opening and pain.

Conclusion

Thus, arthroscopic procedures can be considered an alternative and effective modality for successful management of cases of synovial chondromatosis of temporomandibular joint.

A Case of Synovial Chondromatosis of Temporomandibular Joint with Numerous Loose Bodies

Here, we report a case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with numerous loose bodies. A 56-year-old woman was examined in the oral surgery department for trismus and pain in the left TMJ when opening the mouth. Imaging indicated TMJ synovial chondromatosis, and the patient was referred to our department for further examination. Her facial features were symmetrical, and no occlusal abnormalities were found. The maximum mouth opening was 30 mm, and movement of the left mandibular condyle was restricted and accompanied by pain and joint sounds. Panoramic radiography showed deformation of the left mandibular condyle and radiopaque lesions surrounding it. Computed tomography showed numerous small granules around the left mandibular condyle, some of which were calcified. Magnetic resonance imaging showed anterior disc displacement without reduction in the left TMJ and hypointense lesions on T2-weighted images. Bone scintigraphy showed an accumulation in the area of the left TMJ. Based on the diagnosis of the left TMJ synovial chondromatosis, the lesions were removed, and plastic surgery on the mandibular condyle was performed under general anesthesia. We removed 386 white loose bodies. Histopathologically, the loose bodies were consistent with synovial chondromatosis lesions. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence or TMJ dysfunction approximately 5 years after the surgery, indicating that open surgery is the best course of intervention in such cases.

Endoscopically assisted fixation of the custom-made total temporomandibular joint prosthesis in TMJ Yang's system through a modified preauricular approach

This article describes the experience with the endoscopically assisted fixation of the customized total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis in TMJ Yang's system only through a modified preauricular approach. Twenty patients (23 joints) treated with the custom-made total TMJ prosthesis were retrospectively recruited. An endoscopically assisted technique was used through a modified preauricular approach to fix the mandibular component for all these patients. These reconstructions were evaluated by surgical records, clinical examinations, and radiographic observations. All patients had successful fixation of the prosthesis. No patient had permanent weakness of the facial nerve and malocclusion or any other severe complications. The mean operative time was 111 min per joint (range, 85-133 min). The average surgical bleeding was 195 ml per side. The mean follow-up period was 16.2 months (range, 5-32 months). The mean scores were 8.3 for surgical satisfaction and 9.2 for scar healing evaluation. All patients experienced positive clinical outcomes, with a mean 75.2% reduction in pain and 53.7% increase in mouth opening with significant differences (P<0.05). The endoscopically assisted TMJ reconstruction with the customized prosthesis in TMJ Yang's system through the modified preauricular approach could produce good aesthetic and functional results.

Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint: A clinical and arthroscopic study of 16 cases

OBJECTIVES

Present and overview the clinical finding, management and arthroscopic study of Synovial Chondromatosis (SC) cases in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) treated by our team.

STUDY DESIGN

During year 2008-2018, 16 TMJ SC cases were treated and reviewed. The clinical manifestations, radiographic data, arthroscopic study and pathologic findings were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Average age of first visit was 32.68. The ratio of male/female was 2/14, right/left was 7/9. The most common symptoms were pain, continuous crepitus and limited mouth opening (LMO). All cases were examined by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperative and proved by pathology postoperative. The diagnostic rates of CT and MRI were 12.5% and 93.75% respectively. 1 case could not be detected by both, but by arthroscopy. Particles in all cases occurred in the upper joint cavity and were all removed by arthroscopic technique. No recurrence was found after 3 years follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI and arthroscopic technique could be the first choice in the diagnosis and treatment of SC. Most cases were in stage 3 of the disease at the first visit. Low recurrence rate may be attributed to the improvement of intra-articular environment after surgery. Larger sample sizes are needed for further study.

Removal of a Solitary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint Using Arthroscopy

The diagnosis of synovial chrondromatosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) requires a combined assessment consisting of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic examinations. The purpose of this study is to report in 1 patient the removal of a single large cartilaginous nodule floating in the upper joint compartment using arthroscopy. A 30-year-old woman was referred to our department complaining about pain in preauricular area and restricted mouth opening. Imaging of magnetic resonance reveals anterior disc displacement and right joint effusion. Arthroscopy of TMJ was performed for diagnosis and treatment. During the arthroscopy a large loose body was identified and removed with a biopsy forceps; lavage was conducted with ringer solution. Hyaluronic acid was injected in TMJ at surgery, 1 and 3 months after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed articular disc on position and no effusion. The patient was followed up of 1 year without sign and symptoms. Arthroscopic procedure of TMJ was effective in diagnosis and removal of a solitary loose body of synovial chrondromatosis. Viscosupplementation appers to offer benefits in controlling pain and functional improvements.

Giant Solitary Synovial Osteochondroma of the Subtalar Joint

A rapidly progressing calcified mass was found in the left sinus tarsi in a 12-year-old female after a trivial ankle sprain. The lesion mimicked an aggressive lesion clinically and radiographically. Ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a synovial chondroma. Excision of the tumor and partial synovectomy were performed. The histologic diagnosis was a solitary synovial osteochondroma. The condition had not recurred after a follow-up period of 12 months.

Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint Successfully Treated by Surgery

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a chronic process, defined as a reactive cartilaginous proliferation, characterized by formation of cartilaginous nodules, usually loose in the joint space of the synovial membrane. It mainly affects large joints such as knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow, commonly in male patients. However, its manifestation in the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is a rare finding, occurring predominantly in females. This paper reports a case of a woman who presented to the service of Stomatology complaining of mouth opening limitations and pain in her left pre-auricular region. After clinical and radiographic analyses, the condition was diagnosed as SC of the TMJ. The loose bodies within the TMJ were removed under general anesthesia. Histological and follow-up features of this lesion are also discussed. To our knowledge, this is the second report of SC of the TMJ in Brazil.

Arthroscopic management for synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: a retrospective review of 33 cases

PURPOSE

To present clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic results of patients with synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint; to introduce a technique for removal of loose bodies in different areas; and to summarize the indications of therapeutic arthroscopy according to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From April 2001 to April 2010, 33 consecutive patients underwent arthroscopy. Their demographics, clinical manifestations, imaging studies, arthroscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

The predominant symptoms were pain, limitation of mouth opening, and joint sounds. Obvious joint effusion was shown on MRI in 21 of 33 patients. Mass lesions were shown on MRI in 29 of 33 cases. The presence of loose bodies was shown in 31 cases under an arthroscope. Synovial hyperplasia was noted in 12 patients. Bony erosion of the articular surface was discovered in 11 patients. Thirty-two patients underwent therapeutic arthroscopy. Smaller loose bodies were commonly removed with joint lavage or biopsy forceps in 24 patients. Fragmentation with forceps or a wider additional incision was applied to remove larger loose bodies in 7 patients. Debridement was applied to remove intrasynovial lesions in 7 patients. Coblation was used to remove the hyperplastic synovium in 10 of 32 patients. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 38 months. No recurrence was suspected clinically and radiologically.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic arthroscopy was appropriate for patients with separate mass lesions and no extra-articular extension. Surgical treatment comprised thorough removal of loose bodies and affected synovial tissues.