Bilateral synovial chondromatosis of the elbow in an adolescent: a case report and literature review

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Jun 13;21(1):377. doi: 10.1186/s12891-020-03322-1.

Abstract

Background: Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign disease that occurs in the joint mucosa.

Case presentation: In this case report, a 14-year-old gymnast sustained pain in both elbows for 2 months with limited elbow joint activity. The initial diagnosis of bilateral elbow synovial chondromatosis was performed by physical examination and imaging report. Later, the patient was treated with open surgery on both sides of the elbow, including all loose bodies were removed out and the proliferative synovia were cut off. Histopathology reports confirmed synovial chondromatosis.

Conclusions: The report introduced a case about synovial chondromatosis in bilateral elbow found in a 14-year-old girl, which is rarely involved in bilateral elbow and rarely found in adolescents. This case report aims to provide a treatment option for surgeons in similar situations.

Keywords: Adolescent; Athlete; Bilateral; Elbow joint; Synovial chondromatosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Chondromatosis, Synovial / diagnostic imaging
  • Chondromatosis, Synovial / pathology*
  • Chondromatosis, Synovial / surgery
  • Elbow Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint / pathology*
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Loose Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Loose Bodies / pathology*
  • Joint Loose Bodies / surgery
  • Physical Examination
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*