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.