Long-term results after arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to document the results of arthroscopic treatment for synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder with loose body removal and partial synovectomy. Five cases of shoulder arthroscopy performed for synovial chondromatosis were reviewed. Removal of loose bodies and partial synovectomy was performed in all cases. Follow-up of 4 to 9 years was obtained on these 5 patients. The clinical result was very good for all patients. Radiologic signs of chondroma were observed in two patients. Revision surgery was not necessary in either case. The clinical results referring to the Constant and Murley score and subjective assessment were very good at 4 to 9 years following surgery. However, in two out of five subjects, radiographs revealed evidence of persisting or recurrent synovial chondroma at follow-up. Level IV, therapeutic case series.