Multiple Rice Bodies in Subacromial Space: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Multiple rice bodies are a rare disorder that is most commonly observed in chronic rheumatoid arthritis patients and as a complication of chronic inflammation in the bursa. However, it can occur in the absence of an underlying systemic disorder. Although it resembles synovial chondromatosis clinically and on imaging, the condition can be discriminated by an analysis of the radiographic and MR appearances. We encountered a case of multiple rice body formation with subacromial bursitis on the shoulder of a 37-year old man suffering from pain and motion limitation. The patient was treated by arthroscopic removal of the multiple rice bodies and a subacromial bursectomy. We present this case with a review of the relevant literature.