Osteochondromatosis

Overview

A rare joint disorder where some of the tissue that lines the joint is replaced by bone-like tissue or cartilage. Usually only one joint is affected and it tends to be the knee, elbow or hip.

Symptoms

* Joint pain * Limited joint mobility * Joint locking * Joint swelling * Asymptomatic

Diagnosis

* Trauma-related: o Fracture with avulsed fragment o Fragmentation of meniscus with calcification * Degenerative joint disease related: o Degenerative joint disease with detached spur * Synovial proliferation: o Pigmented villonodular synovitis * Neoplastic: o Synovial chondrosarcoma * Other: o Osteochondritis dissecans o Sequestrum from osteomyelitis o Neuropathic (Charcot) joint Intra-articular bodies in SOC typically have popcorn calcification, with a dense sclerotic border with radiolucent central region. This distinct radiographic appearance sets it apart from other cause of intra-articular bodies. Number and size of intra-articular bodies can prove helpful as well. SOC typically presents as multiple intra-articular bodies. Few or isolated intra-articular bodies are more consistent with trauma or osteoarthritis.

Treatment

Asymptomatic patients do not require therapy. Symptomatic patients should undergo arthroscopic or surgical removal of intra-articular bodies. Patients who have recurrent intra-articular bodies or in whom the entire synovial lining is metaplastic require total synovectomy.