Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint.

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign, chronic, progressive synovial metaplasia that will not resolve spontaneously. Although it is non-neoplastic, the condition can easily be mistaken histologically as malignant. One Chinese male patient with synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is described. Awareness of this rare lesion is important to prevent overdiagnosis and radical treatment. Treatment consists of synovectomy and removal of loose bodies within the joint space.