Arthroscopic Management for Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Retrospective Review of 33 Cases

PurposeTo present clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic results of patients with synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint; to introduce a technique for removal of loose bodies in different areas; and to summarize the indications of therapeutic arthroscopy according to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.Patients and MethodsFrom April 2001 to April 2010, 33 consecutive patients underwent arthroscopy. Their demographics, clinical manifestations, imaging studies, arthroscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed.ResultsThe predominant symptoms were pain, limitation of mouth opening, and joint sounds. Obvious joint effusion was shown on MRI in 21 of 33 patients. Mass lesions were shown on MRI in 29 of 33 cases. The presence of loose bodies was shown in 31 cases under an arthroscope. Synovial hyperplasia was noted in 12 patients. Bony erosion of the articular surface was discovered in 11 patients. Thirty-two patients underwent therapeutic arthroscopy. Smaller loose bodies were commonly removed with joint lavage or biopsy forceps in 24 patients. Fragmentation with forceps or a wider additional incision was applied to remove larger loose bodies in 7 patients. Debridement was applied to remove intrasynovial lesions in 7 patients. Coblation was used to remove the hyperplastic synovium in 10 of 32 patients. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 38 months. No recurrence was suspected clinically and radiologically.ConclusionsTherapeutic arthroscopy was appropriate for patients with separate mass lesions and no extra-articular extension. Surgical treatment comprised thorough removal of loose bodies and affected synovial tissues.