Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Case Report

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare, benign disease found in metaplastic cartilaginous nodules within the synovial membrane. The etiology of SC is not well-known, but it may be associated with trauma, chronic abnormal loading, or inflammatory joint disease. It is often found in knee, elbow, ankle, and shoulder joint but rarely in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area. SC of TMJ frequently appears in middle age and more often in females. Clinical symptoms include periarticular swelling, pain, crepitus, and limitation of joint motion. The most common feature is a radiographic finding of loose bodies in the joint. Irregularity of joint space and condylar head is also observed. Treatment involves the surgical removal of synovium and loose bodies. The prognosis is good, with low postsurgical recurrence rate. Functional improvement of the joint and pain relief are noted in many patients. Malignant transformation of SC has not been recorded. In this study, we report a 54-year-old female patient who experienced discomfort on the right TMJ with SC on the area but made a satisfactory recovery after surgery.