A rare case of synovial chondromatosis of distal radio-ulnar joint

Primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip joint (PrSC of the hip): A retrospective cohort analysis and review of the literature

Introduction

Primary synovial osteochondromatosis (SOCM) or Synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the hip is a benign metaplastic condition of the synovium that is rare and may present with a spectrum of clinical features and radiological findings.

Patients and methods

A retrospective search using the keyword 'Synovial chondromatosis' (SC) of the hip was performed at a tertiary care orthopaedic referral centre in the UK and a hospital in India. The radiology images were collected from our Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and Radiology Information System (RIS), over 15 years. The patient's data was collated with Electronic Patient Records (EPR), RIS, and correlated with histo-pathology laboratory records where available. The demographic details of the patients, their clinical symptoms, imaging details, and management outcomes were collected.

Results

We found 15 cases, with a mean age of 36.53 years (range: 14-50 years). There were 9 male and 6 female patients. The follow-up ranged from 1 year to 6 years. Predominantly unilateral presentation with insidious onset of symptoms was found. A spectrum of radiological Imaging was undertaken. Management strategies included supervised observation, arthroscopic or open synovectomy, and hip arthroplasty. No malignant transformation was found in the analysed cohort.

Conclusion

Primary 'Synovial chondromatosis' of the hip had a male preponderance in our cohort, presenting with a range of clinical features. Radiologically, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was the commonest modality of cross-sectional imaging utilised and crucial for the diagnosis, evaluating underlying articular involvement including guiding appropriate patient management presenting with Primary 'Synovial chondromatosis' of the hip.