Metacarpophalangeal joint synovial osteochondromatosis: a case report.

We describe a case of primary articular synovial chondromatosis in a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of a 48-year-old male. The patient initially presented with MCP joint swelling and pain with normal plain radiographs. Following a fourteen month course of conservative management, surgical debridement of the joint revealed multiple loose bodies consistent with primary articular synovial chondromatosis. Though synovial chondromatosis rarely occurs in hand joints, the diagnosis should be considered in cases of metacarpophalangeal pain when common etiologies have been excluded.