Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by synovial osteochondromatosis of the finger flexor tendon: A case report

RATIONALE

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve neuropathy resulting from compression of the median nerve as it traverses the carpal tunnel. The pathophysiology of this condition is multifactorial, and majority of cases of CTS are idiopathic. We report cases of CTS caused by synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC), which has rarely been reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 45-year-old female was admitted to the clinic due to right hand tingling sensation for 4 months. On physical examination, the patient's symptoms and signs corresponded to the median nerve entrapment at wrist. However, there is mild swelling and tenderness around the second metacarpal bone. Pain was aggravated during wrist and finger flexion.

DIAGNOSES

An electrodiagnostic study revealed CTS. She was advised to begin splinting the hand using a wrist brace and to undergo physiotherapy. After 2 weeks, the tingling sensation decreased slightly. However mild swelling and tenderness around the second metacarpal bone did not improve. Ultrasonography showed multiple echogenic foci. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a nodule at the proximal metacarpal level with synovial thickening, enhancement, and a calcified shadow close to the flexor tendon. After confirming the presence of an osseous nodule with synovial thickening, the patient underwent surgery INTERVENTIONS:: Carpal tunnel release and mass excision with synovectomy of the adjacent structures were performed. Histologically, the lesion was compatible with a diagnosis of SOC.

OUTCOME

The symptoms have improved.

LESSONS

CTS due to SOC on finger flexor tendon is rare but should be considered for possible etiology. Appropriate clinical examination, plain radiography, ultrasonography, and MRI will help physicians to diagnose this condition. In this paper, we report the successful diagnosis and treatment of CTS caused by SOC within the finger flexor tendon.

Synovial chondromatosis of the hip joint in childhood: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Pain in the hip joint is a common symptom in children. The common diseases leading to pain in the hip joint in children include transient synovitis of the hip, septic arthritis of the hip, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 7-year-old boy was admitted due to pain in the right hip joint and limping for more than 1 month.

DIAGNOSIS

Synovial chondromatosis.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent a hip open surgery, all the loose bodies in articular capsule were removed.

OUTCOMES

At the 6-month follow-up, pain and limping disappeared, and the range of activity of the hip joint was restored to a normal level.

CONCLUSIONS

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disease which can cause pain of hip joint in children.

LESSONS

When the pediatric orthopedic surgeon treats the children suffered with hip pain the surgeon should be aware of this rare disease.

Arthroscopic management of elbow synovial chondromatosis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify factors that affect pain, complications, and function following elbow arthroscopy for elbow synovial chondromatosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of all patients with elbow synovial chondromatosis treated by arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal between January 2000 and January 2016 at our institution. Eleven patients were enrolled (8 male; mean age, 41.7 years). The mean duration of symptoms was 13.7 months, and all patients had a decreased range of motion (ROM) in the affected elbow. By Milgram criteria, there was 1 phase II case, and 10 cases were phase III.

RESULTS

All patients were followed postoperatively (mean follow-up, 65 months). The preoperatively restricted ROM of 100° flexion (range, 78°-120°) and extension of 30° (range, 15°-40°) were improved to 130° flexion (range, 120°-140°) and -5° hyperextension (range, -10°-0°). Pain, recorded as the pain subscore of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire for elbows, was significantly improved from 32 points (range, 20-50) preoperatively to 85 (range, 70-100) postoperatively (on a scale ranging from 0 [worst pain] to 100 [pain-free]). Recurrence occurred in 2 patients (18.2%) who then received arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal again. There were no fractures or neurovascular complications, and no patient developed an infection.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic management of synovial chondromatosis of the elbow was an effective and safe therapeutic method. After the intervention, immediate and durable improvement of elbow function can be expected.

Arthroscopic Management and Treatment of Synovial Chondromatosis and Talus Osteochondral Defect in the Ankle Joint. A Case Study

Synovial chondromatosis has an unknown aetiology and is a benign lesion especially seen in joints like the knee and hip. However, it is extremely rare in the ankle joint. A review of the literature shows that ankle joint chondromatosis is usually treated by arthrotomy. However, excision of loose bodies by arthroscopy in the ankle joint is not common. Arthroscopic surgery provides a wide visualisation area for excision of loose bodies, allowing for synovectomy and microfracture. Our patient was a 60-year-old female who presented to our clinic with primary osteochondromatosis and osteochondral defect. Our patient underwent arthroscopic excision of loose bodies, microfracture and synovectomy. Arthroscopic management can be successful in selected patients with synovial osteochondromatosis localized to the ankle joint.

Primary synovial chondromatosis of the talonavicular joint: A case report

Synovial chondromatosis developes by metaplasia of the synovial cells in the synovium of joints, and is a benign synovial tumor with multiple cartilaginous nodules. It is most commonly found in single and large joints, such as the knee, hip, and shoulder. Occurrence in the foot and ankle is uncommon, although there have been previous reports in the orthopedic and radiological literature of primary synovial chondromatosis in the subtalr, calcaneocuboid, naviculocuneiform, and metatarsaophalangeal joints. To our knowledge, occurrence in the talonavicular joint is even rarer, with only one report in the literature to date. Here, we report a case of synovial chondromatosis of the talonavicular joint, alongside a review of the literature.

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.

Patellar Subluxation With Early-Phase Synovial Chondromatosis of the Knee

Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, monoarticular disease process that affects the synovial membrane of the joint, the synovial sheath, or the bursa around the joint. The etiology is unknown, but it has been associated with trauma in some cases. Although it is a benign lesion, if left untreated, it may lead to early secondary osteoarthritis of the joint. The knee joint is affected in 50% to 65% of cases, followed by the elbow and the hip. This article reports a 30-year-old active woman who presented to the author's clinic with a large infrapatellar mass that caused lateral subluxation of the patella, swelling, and episodic pain with crepitations 14 months after direct trauma to the knee. Clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopy revealed a large infrapatellar mass causing lateral subluxation of the patella with no loose bodies. Hoffa's disease, para-articular osteochondroma, and early-phase synovial chondromatosis were considered in the differential diagnosis. The histopathologic and clinical features were consistent with early synovial chondromatosis. The patient underwent local excision of the mass through a medial parapatellar arthrotomy. At 5 years of follow-up, she had no recurrence of the lesion or progression of the disease. Early diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis with local excision offers a reliable cure. However, long-term follow-up is advised because of the high recurrence rates as well as the risk of metaplastic transformation.

Relapsing Polychondritis Concomitant With Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare, multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, structural damage, and impaired function of cartilaginous tissues throughout the body. In the craniofacial region, this rare disease has been reported to affect structures of the ear and nose; however, reports of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement are scarce. A second uncommon disorder of cartilage is synovial chondromatosis (SC), a progressive and proliferative disorder of the synovial membrane associated with the formation of variably sized cartilaginous and calcified loose bodies, often causing dysfunction of the joints and enlargement of the joint capsule. It commonly affects the larger joints; TMJ involvement is uncommon. We present the case of a 45-year-old woman with previously diagnosed RP in whom right TMJ pathology subsequently developed, undergoing arthroscopy and biopsy followed by arthroplasty, which was proved to be SC, likely due to her autoimmune disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case describing concomitant SC of the TMJ presumably from pre-existing RP.

[Generalised Form of Synovial Chondromatosis of the Knee Joint]

This study describes a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in a 53-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with a synovial chondromatosis of the knee joint extending to the popliteal fossa and soft tissues around the knee. Because of the presence of massive nodules, the patient was indicated for total synovectomy, with removal of pathologically changed cartilaginous tissue, performed by combined anterior and posterior approaches to the knee joint. Despite complete removal of the synovium and loose cartilage bodies and the patient's pain relief in the post-operative time, three years after the operation new problems appeared. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a relapse of synovial chondromatosis and the patient was indicated for revision surgery of the knee joint. The results of physical examination and MRI scans, and intra-operative findings in the patient are reported.

KEY WORDS

synovial chondromatosis, total synovectomy, direct anterior and posterior approaches to the knee joint.

Giant Solitary Synovial Chondromatosis Mimicking Chondrosarcoma: Report of a Rare Histologic Presentation and Literature Review

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign lesion of the synovium, and giant solitary synovial chondromatosis (GSSCM) is a rare presentation of it. In this article, we describe clinical, imaging, and pathologic features of a hip GSSCM with an unusual histologic presentation.

Extra and Intra-articular Synovial Chondromatosis

Synovial chondromatosis is not so rare intra-articular condition secondary to synovial metaplasia, that affects the knee joint. Extra-articular synovial chondromatosis however is an extremely rare condition that usually involves the synovial sheath or bursa of the foot or hand. We present two cases of synovial chondromatosis, one intra and one extra-articular. The first case was a 25 year old lady who presented with pain, swelling and restricted range of motion of left knee and was found to have an intra-articular synovial chondromatosis which was treated successfully by joint debridement. The second case was that of a 22 year old man who presented with right knee pain and was diagnosed to have an extra-articular synovial chondromatosis of his right medial hamstring tendon sheath, excision of which resulted in complete relief of symptoms.

Arthroscopic Management of Synovial Osteochondromatosis of the Hip

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a benign metaplasia of the synovium resulting in the formation of osteocartilaginous nodules within the synovial lining. At presentation, radiographs typically reveal these nodules to have broken free from the synovial lining, becoming loose bodies residing in the free space of the affected joint. These fragments readily receive the necessary nutrients for continued growth from the synovial fluid in which they reside. Controversy exists over the management of the disease. Some physicians call for arthrotomy with a complete synovectomy, whereas others vouch for a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach. In the case described here, the surgeon decided on hip arthroscopy to treat synovial osteochondromatosis in a 61-year-old woman. All but one loose body that was adherent in the anterior hip capsule was successfully removed and the patient recovered promptly. This case highlights the importance of hip arthroscopy and its usefulness not only in treating conditions such as synovial osteochondromatosis, but also in accurately diagnosing them. Recognition and management of hip conditions such as synovial osteochondromatosis through arthroscopy result in minimally invasive treatment and decreased morbidity and may markedly accelerate patient rehabilitation. It is the authors' belief that this unique case further suggests the practicality of using hip arthroscopy to successfully treat synovial osteochondromatosis.

Technical tip: Dorsal transmetatarsal approach to intermetatarsal and deep plantar lesions

Synovial and chondromatous lesions can extend dorsally, intermetatarsally and deep into the vault of the longitudinal and transverse plantar arches of the foot. The lesions may prove difficult to excise even with combined approaches. Two cases where a transmetatarsal approach by excision of the base of the third metatarsal enabled successful complete excision of the lesions are presented.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, expert opinion.

Arthroscopic treatment for synovial chondromatosis of the subacromial bursa associated with partial rotator cuff tear

Synovial chondromatosis is characterized by benign synovial proliferation that leads to chondral or osteochondral foci formation. In this case report, a right-handed female suffered from progressively worsening pain and limited mobility of forward elevation, abduction and external rotation in her right shoulder. A shoulder arthroscopy was conducted, during which, thickened bursal synovium and several loose bodies were observed, associated with bursal side tear of rotator cuff. A thorough synovectomy, subacromial debridement and acromioplasty were conducted. The pathological findings were consistent with synovial chondromatosis. After systematic rehabilitation, the patient had relief of shoulder pain and full range of motions in 14-months follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case report, Level IV.

Odyssey of an elbow synovial chondromatosis

Synovial chondromatosis of the elbow is an uncommon condition. However, a chondrosarcoma arising from the former is remarkably rare. The authors report a case of an elbow chondrosarcoma secondary to synovial chondromatosis in a 38-year-old woman. Before the development of chondrosarcoma, the patient underwent 3 operations and 3 sessions of radiosynovectomy because of continuous recurrence of synovial chondromatosis on the left elbow. After the last radiosynovectomy, magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy showed a grade II chondrosarcoma secondary to synovial chondromatosis. The patient underwent further surgery and custom-made arthroplasty because of aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. Four months after the last intervention, 3 subcutaneous nodes appeared on the patient's elbow and were histologically found to be a recurrence of chondrosarcoma (grade III). Amputation by disarticulation of the shoulder was performed in addition to biopsy of another subcutaneous node on the abdomen. The biopsy showed metastasis of chondrosarcoma. At final follow-up, the patient had lung metastasis 7 years after the initial diagnosis. A reason for the manifestation of primary synovial chondromatosis and its progression to chondrosarcoma has not been found. Synovial chondromatosis progressing to chondrosarcoma in the elbow was reported in only 1 case, with no clear initial diagnosis. The role of radiosynovectomy in the development of chondrosarcoma is unknown, and no reports have described the treatment of elbow synovial chondromatosis. Although synovial chondromatosis is benign, its metaplastic nature is a marker of possible malignancy, especially with signs of recurrence and aggression. The role of radiosynovectomy in malignant changes should be examined in future studies.

Synovial chondromatosis of pes anserine bursa secondary to osteochondroma

Osteochondromas are common benign bone tumors. Synovial chondromatosis is a benign cartilaginous metaplasia that occurs in the synovium. The authors describe a unique case of synovial chondromatosis developing in the pes anserine bursa secondary to an underlying osteochondroma of the proximal medial tibia. It is unusual to see both of these processes occurring simultaneously in 1 location. After appropriate consent was obtained, the patient's case was reviewed. A 17-year-old boy presented with a painless mass in the medial aspect of the right leg. Initial imaging of the right leg showed a cartilaginous-appearing lesion arising from the tibia and several distinct additional cartilaginous masses in the adjacent soft tissue. After 16 months of observation, the patient began to have increasing pain in the region of the lesion. The patient underwent surgery for excision of suspected synovial chondromatosis of the right pes anserine bursa and osteochondroma of the proximal right tibia. Postoperatively, the patient had complete resolution of symptoms and regained full range of motion of the knee. He returned to full activities, including walking and running. Osteochondromas are common benign bone tumors. Synovial chondromatosis is a benign synovial metaplastic cartilaginous proliferation that occurs primarily in joints, but can occur in any synovial-lined space. In this case report, the authors describe a unique occurrence of both of these lesions simultaneously. The treatment was excision of the osteochondroma and resection of the chondromatosis lesions, which resulted in an excellent outcome.

Synovial osteochondromatosis in the subacromial bursa mimicking calcific tendinitis: sonographic diagnosis

Synovial osteochondromatosis is an idiopathic benign metaplasia of the synovial membrane rarely found in an extra-articular bursa. We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman with synovial osteochondromatosis in the subacromial bursa mimicking calcific tendinitis. Plain radiographs showed a radiopaque mass over the middle facet of the greater tuberosity, suggesting calcific tendinitis. Sonography, however, showed a loose body in the subacromial bursa, and no evidence of calcification inside the rotator cuff.

Large synovial osteochondromatosis arising from the interphalangeal joint of the thumb: a case report and review of the literature

A 38-year-old woman presented with a very large synovial chondromatosis arising from the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. The tumor surrounded the interphalangeal joint and its size was approximately 3 cm. The range of motion was almost fused. Plain radiographs showed an extra-osseous tumor shadow with calcifications. The patient had no local recurrence at one year of follow-up after marginal resection of the tumor and synovectomy. Because this case showed no osteoarthritic changes, it can be classified as primary synovial chondromatosis with a tumor-like nature. Based on the clinical course and pathological report, our synovial chondromatosis case can be classified as Milgram stage 3. Our case report is unique in three respects: i) origin from the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, ii) a single lump of mass and iii) extremely large size. To our knowledge, a similar type of synovial chondromatosis has not been previously reported in the English literature.

Pancarpal synovial and tenosynovial chondromatosis in a 65-year-old man: a highly unusual presentation of a common condition

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, metaplastic condition in which synovial tissue becomes hyperplastic, and foci of cartilaginous metaplasia develop in the synovial membranes of joints, bursae, or tendon sheaths. Involvement is most commonly monoarticular. The large joints are most commonly affected, with the knee accounting for more than half of all cases. There are isolated reports of synovial chondromatosis occurring in the small joints of the wrist and hand. However, it is very uncommon for the disease to involve multiple different synovial structures. We report the case of a middle-aged man with pancarpal synovial chondromatosis with involvement of numerous bony, articular, and tenosynovial structures within the hand and wrist.