Abstract

MARIN FERNANDEZ, Ana Belén et al. Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint. A rare case with subcranial extension. Rev Esp Cirug Oral y Maxilofac [online]. 2013, vol.35, n.1, pp.31-35. ISSN 2173-9161.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maxilo.2012.01.001.

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a cartilaginous metaplasia of the mesenchymal remnants of the synovial tissue of joints. It is an uncommon disease of unknown origin. This benign synovial process involves the formation of cartilaginous nodules (loose bodies) in the synovium and within the articular space. SC mainly affects large synovial joints, and only very rarely affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The main symptoms are pain, swelling, mouth opening limitation, crepitation, and lateral mandibular deviation. Diagnosis can be made by panoramic radiograph, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopy of the TMJ. The main treatment includes complete removal of the loose bodies in conjunction with excision of the affected synovium. It can be performed by arthroscopy or by open surgery. In cases with TMJ involvement, the lesion is usually confined to the joint cavity. In this report, a rare case of SC of the TMJ with subcranial extension is presented.

Keywords : Synovial chondromatosis; Temporomandibular joint; Cartilaginous nodules; Synovial metaplasia.

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