Synovial Chondromatosis of the Knee Joint: Management With Arthroscopy-Assisted "Sac of Pebbles" Extraction and Synovectomy

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign condition characterized by the formation of intra-articular cartilaginous loose bodies, which arise as a result of synovial membrane metaplasia. Due to pain, edema, and joint dysfunction, synovial chondromatosis can result in severe morbidity even though it is a self-limiting condition. In order to avoid problems, such as joint degeneration, early diagnosis and treatment is essential. This case study presents a female patient, age 24, who has experienced increasing pain, swelling, and occasional locking in her left knee for the past two years. Clinical examination of the suprapatellar pouch revealed several palpable loose bodies and effusion. Several intra-articular loose bodies were confirmed by imaging techniques. The patient underwent arthroscopic removal of multiple loose bodies and synovectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis as primary synovial chondromatosis. Postoperatively, the patient achieved a full range of movement without pain, and recurrence was not observed after three months of follow-up. For the treatment of knee synovial chondromatosis, an efficient and less invasive method is the arthroscopy-assisted removal of loose bodies and synovectomy. The value of this method in treating this uncommon condition is emphasized by the significant functional recovery and the lowered risk of recurrence.