Surgery for synovial chondromatosis. 26 cases followed up for 6 years.

Surgery was performed in 31 patients with synovial chondromatosis: 12 had synovectomy and removal of loose bodies, and 16 had removal of loose bodies only. The remaining 3 patients had more radical surgery: 2 had total hip replacement and 1 had resection arthroplasty. Twenty-six patients were reviewed after an average of 6 years and 4 months. Thirteen patients were symptomatic and 11 had residual signs of limited joint motion and localized tenderness. In 1 case of metatarsophalangeal joint involvement, recurrence occurred. Removal of loose bodies only did not differ from synovectomy and removal of loose bodies.