Clinical analysis of 12 cases of primary synovial chondromatosis of hip joint / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the clinical, imageological and pathologic characters of primary synovial chondromatosis of hip joint, and effect of open surgery. Method 12 cases of primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip joints admitted from May 1973 to May 2004 were retrospectively studied in respect to clinical manifestations, X-ray picture, and pathological findings. The effects of operation were followed up. Results Intermittent pain, swelling, limitation of hip joints were the main complaints. Mass and myatrophy near involved hip joint were discernible in a few patients. Although there was no obvious image of calcification, swelling of articular capsule was seen in X-ray film in 4 patients. CT scan showed arthroedema, loose bodies and bone erosion of the femoral head in the hip joint. The X-ray films of the other 8 patients showed obvious calcified loose bodies. All cases were diagnosed by pathology after operations. 8 cases were categorized Milgram Ⅱstage, and 4 cases Milgram Ⅲ stage. Eight patients were followed-up for a period of 1 to 7 years (mean 5 years). Recurrence occurred in 2 cases. Conclusion The diagnosis should be based on clinical characters, X-ray films and pathologic findings, and the pathology is most reliable. In order to decrease recurrence, CT or MRI examinations should be taken before the operation. X-ray monitoring should be carried out during the operation of the patient in whom loose bodies were found in X-ray film before the operation.