Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: report of 2 patients whose joints were reconstructed with costochondral graft and alloplastic prosthesis

Abstract

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare, and only about 100 cases have been reported. Among these, intracranial extension was reported in only 9. Although some patterns of clinical presentation and evolution, synovial histological changes, and diagnosis by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been described, there is little information about surgical treatment. We report two new cases that focus particularly on reconstruction with costochondral graft and alloplastic TMJ prosthesis. We report what is to our knowledge the youngest reported case of synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ, which is also the tenth reported case with extension into the middle cranial fossa.