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. 2009 Apr 23;1(1):6.
doi: 10.1186/1758-2555-1-6.

Synovial chondromatosis originating from the synovium of the anterior cruciate ligament: a case report

Tokifumi Majima  1 , Tamotsu Kamishima, Kouichi Susuda
Affiliations

Synovial chondromatosis originating from the synovium of the anterior cruciate ligament: a case report

Tokifumi Majima et al. Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. .

Abstract

A case of synovial chondromatosis originating from the synovium of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resulting in a mechanical block to knee extension is reported. A 36-year-old man complained of a restricted range of left-knee motion and pain when walking. Plain roentgenograms showed normal appearance, however, magnetic resonance imaging showed intensity changes in the ACL. Arthroscopically, numerous small free bodies were observed. Proliferation of synovium and cartilaginous tissues were identified around the ACL. There were no significant findings in the synovium except around the ACL. The synovium around the ACL was resected and free bodies were washed out. This is the first report of synovial chondromatosis originating from the synovium of the ACL.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Plain radiograph of the left knee at the time of initialvisit.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Preoperative MRI image. ACL presented signal changes of iso- and high signal intensity at T1WI (left) and at high signal intensity at T2WI (right), and also demonstrated swelling.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Arthroscopic finding of lateral gutter. Numerous rice grain-sized tissues, which seemed to be cartilaginous segments, were present in the joint.
Figure 4
Figure 4
a) Arthroscopic finding of intercondylar cavity. Cartilaginous segments were present in the synovium on the ACL surface. b) ACL after arthroscopic synovialectomy.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Pathohistological finding. a) × 20. Hematoxylin Eosin staining. A cartilaginous tissue enclosed by the synovial tissue was detected. b) × 300. Hematoxylin Eosin staining.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Postoperative MRI (T1WI (left) and T2WI (right)). ACL presented normal signal intensity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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