Tenosynovial chondromatosis of the flexor hallucis longus in a 17-year-old girl

Abstract

Tenosynovial chondromatosis is a benign chondrogenic metaplasia of extra-articular synovial tissue. The most common locations for tenosynovial chondromatosis to develop are the hands and feet. The condition has rarely been reported in children. We present a case of tenosynovial chondromatosis of the flexor hallucis longus in a 17-year-old girl. The presentation was unusual not only due to the location and young age of the patient but also the absence of any palpable mass on physical exam and complete lack of calcification of the cartilage bodies. Initial diagnosis was made by MRI. The patient underwent tenosynovectomy with an excellent postoperative recovery at 6-month follow-up. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of tenosynovial chondromatosis.

Keywords: Adolescent; Flexor hallucis longus; Magnetic resonance imaging; Synovial chondromatosis; Tenosynovial.