Synovial chondromatosis is the formation of hyaline cartilage nodules in the sub-synovial tissue of a joint, tendon sheath or bursa. The clinical symptoms include pain, swelling and restricted range of motion.

The knee is the most commonly affected joint, but it also occurs in the hip, elbow, shoulder and ankle.

Synovial chondromatosis can be divided into primary and secondary forms. Secondary synovial chondromatosis usually results from mechanical injury to the cartilage and is most frequently related to degenerative arthropathy.

Radiographs show calcification of multiple intra-articular hyaline cartilage nodules in 70 - 95% of cases. Extrinsic bone erosion can be seen, but mostly in less capacious joints such as the hip. Treatment is surgical resection. The recurrence rate after surgery varies from 3 to 23% ¹.