A Rare Case of Synovial Chondromatosis in the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of the Right Index Finger

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 8; p. e68072
• Main Authors: Phalak, Mukesh, Nair, Abhishek, Reddy, Rajeev, Chopra, Shubhankar, Kumar, Sushant
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 28.08.2024; Cureus
• Subjects: Calcification; Cartilage; Case reports; Debridement; Magnetic resonance imaging; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Oncology; Orthopedics; Osteoarthritis; Radiology; Range of motion; Rheumatoid arthritis; Surgeons; X-rays; cartilaginous nodules; cartilaginous metaplasia; benign tumor; synovial chondromatosis; calcifications
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.68072

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition that is also known as Reichel syndrome. It is a disorder that affects the monoarticular joints. The proliferation and metaplasia of the synovial cartilage are its defining characteristics. Many tiny, intra-articular osseocartilaginous loose bodies are formed as a result of this proliferation. They are fed by the synovial fluid once they break off from the synovial surface and enter the joint cavity, where they develop into calcification and ossification. If left untreated, it usually causes the afflicted joint to malfunction severely. Large joints such as the knee, hip, elbow, and shoulder joints are frequently the sites of nodular proliferation. Smaller joints such as the hand's interphalangeal and metacarpal joints and thumb are among the more unusual locations. Although the disease usually resolves on its own, conservative management options include painkillers, activity modification, and cryotherapy. Surgical options include synovectomy, which is the gold standard procedure and involves removing the loose bodies. The following case study presents a 60-year-old female patient with a rare instance of synovial chondromatosis. She presented to the outpatient department (OPD) due to escalating pain and swelling in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of her right index finger, which significantly restricted her range of motion. On the hand X-ray, several small, uniformly sized calcified bodies were visible within the synovium. After negative results from autoimmune disease tests, the patient was recommended for surgical exploration as the patient reported a six-month increase in pain and difficulty flexing his index finger. Surgical exploration of the PIP joint and adjacent proximal and middle phalanx revealed several small, evenly sized, firm, smooth, creamy-white nodules. Post-op, the patient was given a splint cast for a span of seven days, followed by physical therapy, and the range of motion was achieved by the end of six months.