Giant synovial chondromatosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint

Synovial chondromatosis: Rare involvement of metacarpophalangeal joint and diagnostic challenges in MR imaging

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare benign tumor of the cartilaginous tissue that frequently affects large joints intra-articularly. Characteristic imaging findings were reported for the diagnosis of SC. Herein, we report a case of SC of the metacarpophalangeal joint with atypical MRI findings. Considering the clinical presentation, erosion, absence of calcification on X-ray and CT, and low intensity on short tau inversion recovery (STIR), tenosynovial giant cell tumor was the initially diagnosis. However, histopathological findings revealed SC with fibrosis, which was confirmed using Elastica Van Gieson (EVG) staining. In general, low intensity on STIR in SC indicate calcification; however, it can also represent fibrosis in SC. In this case, the diagnosis of SC using MRI was limited highlighting the importance of histopathological findings for an accurate diagnosis of SC.

Synovial Chondromatosis of Hip in a Young Patient Salvaged With Mini Arthrotomy Without Hip Dislocation - A Case Report

Introduction

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign disorder of the synovium, which leads to loose body formation due to metaplastic transformation. It presents as multiple cartilaginous bodies in the synovial joints, bursae and in tendon sheaths. The diagnosis often delayed in hip involvement due to insidious onset of symptoms. Surgical management is essential to manage synovial chondromatosis, which includes hip dislocation and debridement, arthroscopic removal or using arthrotomy.

Case Report

A 20-year-old male patient presented with complaints of pain in the left hip since 1 year and difficulty in walking for 6 months. On examination, the patient had mild tenderness over the left hip with the restriction of joint movements. He had flexion deformity of 30°, adduction and external rotation deformity of 10 and 15°, respectively. X-ray of the pelvis with both hips anteroposterior and left hip lateral view revealed calcified nodular mass over superior, inferior part of the femoral head, and anterior part of the neck with decreased joint space. As the patient was disabled with pain, stiffness especially restricted flexion and abduction and difficulty in daily routine activities, we planned for surgical excision of the loose bodies. Using lateral approach to the hip, intra-articular loose bodies were removed through arthrotomy without hip dislocation. At present 2-year follow-up, the patient is having full hip range of motion with no difficulty in squatting, sitting cross-legged, and radiological examination showed no evidence of recurrence. The patient is fully satisfied with the chosen treatment and participating in running and other sports.

Conclusion

Although hip synovial chondromatosis are rare, early surgical intervention with complete removal of loose bodies, joint distraction for 6 weeks to allow healing, and early initiation of hip physiotherapy helps in getting better outcome even in patients with early stages of hip arthritis. The early surgical intervention also prevents the progression of the joint degeneration, which in turn helps in postponing replacement surgeries in young patients. Satisfactory outcomes can be achieved by salvaging the natural hip joint.

A rare case of giant synovial osteochondromatosis of the thigh: A case report

RATIONALE

Giant synovial osteochondromatosis of the thigh is a highly unusual disease without standard diagnosis and curative managements so far. Our focus is to report a very rare case of giant synovial osteochondromatosis successfully operated by surgical treatment. The management of these unique cases has certain educational significance in clinical practice.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 63-year-old previously healthy man presented to our institution with a 4-year history of continuous progressive hip pain and local numbness of right side in January 2018. One month ago, the patient felt that the above symptoms were aggravated, and the right hip and proximal thigh were significantly swollen.

DIAGNOSIS

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the hip revealed the irregular mass in his right thigh. Post-operative pathology confirmed the diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis of the thigh.

INTERVENTIONS

Considering the large volume of the mass and possibility of malignancy, the patient underwent surgical exploration and complete tumor resection.

OUTCOMES

The patient's neurological deficits and symptoms improved significantly after the surgery, and the postoperative period was uneventful at the 1-year follow-up visit. There were no complications associated with the operation during the follow-up period.

LESSONS

Taken together, the lesion's clinical features, imaging results, and pathological characteristics are unique. Synovial osteochondromatosis of the thigh, although rare, should be part of the differential diagnosis when the patient presents with local pain, numbness, swelling or other symptoms. We recommend surgical treatment for the occupying lesion when the tumor has caused symptoms or neurological deficits.