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Case Reports
. 2013 Jul;17(3):281-3.

Giant intra-articular synovial osteochondromata of the knee

I Sourlas  1 , Ev Brilakis  1 , Af Mavrogenis  2 , Na Stavropoulos  2 , Ds Korres  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Giant intra-articular synovial osteochondromata of the knee

I Sourlas et al. Hippokratia. 2013 Jul.

Abstract

Background/aim: Synovial chondromatosis associated, intra-articular loose bodies are usually small in size. Giant intra-articular loose bodies are rare.

Case report: We present the case of a patient with synovial chondromatosis associated giant intra-articular loose bodies located under the patella and the intercondylar fossa, treated successfully with combined arthroscopic and open excision.

Conclusion: Giant intra-articular loose bodies should be considered when treating patients with synovial chondromatosis. Arthroscopy confirms the diagnosis, allows the thorough examination of the knee joint, and subsequent excision of small or medium size attached synovial nodules or intra-articular loose bodies. Arthrotomy may be needed to excise giant loose bodies.

Keywords: Synovial chondromatosis; arthroscopy; giant; joint loose bodies; knee joint.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Anteroposterior (left) and lateral (right) radiographs of the left knee show an intra-articular loose body located under the patella
Figure 2
Figure 2. Arthroscopic view shows hyperaemia of the synovium of the suprapatellar pouch with large hypertrophic villi floating within the joint space
Figure 3
Figure 3. Arthroscopic view shows an intra-articular loose body, 1.8x1.5x0.5 cm in dimensions, located within the intercondylar notch (LB: loose body, MC: medial femoral condyle, ACL: anterior cruciate ligament)
Figure 4
Figure 4. Arthroscopic view shows an intra-articular loose body, 3x1.7x1 cm in dimensions, located in the lateral knee compartment (LB: loose body, LC: lateral femoral condyle, LM: anterior horn of the lateral meniscus)
Figure 5
Figure 5. Photograph shows the excised intra-articular loose bodies
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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