Long-term results after arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document the results of arthroscopic treatment for synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder with loose body removal and partial synovectomy.

METHODS

Five cases of shoulder arthroscopy performed for synovial chondromatosis were reviewed. Removal of loose bodies and partial synovectomy was performed in all cases. Follow-up of 4 to 9 years was obtained on these 5 patients.

RESULTS

The clinical result was very good for all patients. Radiologic signs of chondroma were observed in two patients. Revision surgery was not necessary in either case.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical results referring to the Constant and Murley score and subjective assessment were very good at 4 to 9 years following surgery. However, in two out of five subjects, radiographs revealed evidence of persisting or recurrent synovial chondroma at follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.