Clinical outcomes of arthroscopic treatment for shoulder synovial chondromatosis: a case series.

Abstract

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the shoulder is a rare clinical condition that can lead to severe symptoms. Research on this disease is limited. From April 2015 to February 2024, a total of 15 patients diagnosed with shoulder SC underwent arthroscopic débridement and synovectomy. The effectiveness of the procedure was assessed by comparing preoperative and postoperative radiographic images, visual analog scale scores for pain, University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, Constant-Murley scores, and shoulder range of motion. All patients successfully underwent surgery without complications. The average follow-up period was 49.4 months. Postoperative visual analog scale scores decreased from 4.2 to 1.0 (P ≤ .05), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved from 69 to 90 (P ≤ .05), University of California at Los Angeles scores increased from 19 to 30 (P ≤ .05), and Constant-Murley scores improved from 72 to 91 (P ≤ .05). ROM in all directions significantly improved. Recurrence was observed in 2 patients; one ultimately underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty, while the other continued with conservative management. Arthroscopic débridement is a reliable treatment option for shoulder SC, offering the advantages of minimal invasiveness, rapid recovery, and low complication rates.