Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Imaging Perspective

Author(s):

Naveen N Kumar*, Padmashree S, Ashmeer M Mallik, Padma Pandeshwar, Shilpa Padar Shastry, Mahesh BS and Veerendra Kumar D

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare, benign, chronic, progressive and proliferative lesion that more often affects the large joints of the body. There is formation of cartilaginous nodules in the synovial joint space, which subsequently degrade, detach and form free-floating, calcified bodies within the joint space. The first case of SC affecting the TMJ was described by Axhausen in 1933. The etiopathogenesis still remains unclear but often associated with a history of trauma. Clinically patients present with symptoms of swelling, pain, crepitation, malocclusion and joint dysfunction. These signs and symptoms mimic other TMJ diseases thus establishing the importance of correct diagnosis of SC. Here we present a case of SC of the right TMJ highlighting the various imaging modalities which aid in the diagnosis of SC.