COMBINED TREATMENT OF SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS OF THE SHOULDER

Synovial chondromatosis is rare condition, a benign proliferation of the synovial membrane, with the possibility of forming large masses that produce cartilaginous bodies, that can either remain attached to the synovium or can detach and float in the joint, producing mechanical damage to the joint surfaces. The cartilaginous bodies can, in time, transform, ossifying and later developing bone marrow or, in very rare cases, it may suffer malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma. We present a case of a 28 years old male, with synovial chondromatosis of the left shoulder, comprising of two large synovial masses, one extended into the axillary recess and long head of biceps tendon sheath and another large mass expanded towards the anterior thoracic wall and subclavian space. We treated the case in two stages, first by open surgical procedure with resection of the synovial mass, and secondary through the arthroscopic approach, with excision of the loose bodies and synovectomy by cauterization.