Secondary synovial chondromatosis

Case contributed by Dinesh Brand
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Query bony growth over the right first MTP joint.

Patient Data

Age: 50
Gender: Male

There is evidence of discrete soft tissue ossification on the right corresponding to palpable abnormality. Ossification is projected superior to the distal shaft of the 1st metatarsal in the lateral projection. Ossification has a "popcorn morphology". 

There is the impression of an additional calcified mass in the frontal projection.

Case Discussion

Secondary synovial chondromatosis occurs by a pathogenesis of trauma, osteoarthritis or arthropathy. It occurs later on in life and has less intra-articular loose bodies. This case differs from primary synovial chondromatosis, also known as Reichel syndrome.

Primary synovial osteochondromatosis is a benign mono-articular disorder of unknown origin that is characterized by synovial metaplasia and proliferation resulting in multiple intra-articular cartilaginous loose bodies of relatively similar size, not all of which are ossified.

Ectopic ossification may be seen in the context of trauma leading to hematoma formation complicated by later ossification.

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