Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in synovial chondromatosis disease. A case report

Background: Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition that affects synovial joints, bursa or tendon sheaths. Synovial metaplasia can lead to the formation of nodules and loose bodies in the joint. The exact aetiology is not yet well known. This study aims to present two cases of synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder treated by arthroscopic surgery followed by specific physical therapy. Case summary: We describe the clinical, radiographic, histological characteristics, furthermore, arthroscopic and rehabilitative treatment of two patients (A and B) with synovial chondromatosis. This rare disease was diagnosed at "Centro Clinico Diagnostico G.B. Morgagni "in Catania, between January 2015 and February 2018. In patient A the arthroscopy allowed complete recovery of the loose bodies and the specific rehabilitative program allowed the recovery of the Range of Motion and the decrease of the pain; in patient B the complete removal was not possible. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that these rare conditions can be suspected in patients with characteristic symptoms and radiographic disorder. Keywords: synovial chondromatosis, loose bodies, arthroscopy, shoulder.