Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the knee.

Between 1971 and 1987, arthroscopy was performed in 39 patients with synovial chondromatosis of the knee; 29 of these patients (32 knees) were followed an average of 3.5 years. A good result was obtained in 78% of the cases. Removal of loose bodies was the only treatment in 31 of the 32 knees. A synovectomy was performed in one case. No synovectomies were performed secondarily. Only three patients required a second arthroscopic procedure. The essential prognostic factor for a good functional result is the condition of the femorotibial cartilage. We concluded that simple arthroscopic removal of cartilaginous bodies without synovectomy is the treatment of choice for synovial chondromatosis of the knee.