Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: an asymptomatic case report and literature review.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare lesion characterized by the presence of loose bodies in the glenoid fossa. Swelling, unilateral pain, occlusal changes, clicking, crepitation, deviation, and limited mandibular function are the most common characteristics, although this combination is not always apparent. Radiopacities of the TMJ should be thoroughly investigated as some signals and symptoms may be not present or combined, taking months or even years to confirm a diagnosis. A case report is presented here with a brief literature review, where surgical removal was the therapy of choice, calling attention to the absence of symptoms and some signals, which may mislead final diagnosis.