Abstract
Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon, progressive, benign condition favoring synovial
metaplasia resulting from the production of cartilaginous tissue as loose bodies within
the joints. In rare cases, it can affect the interior of the shoulder joint and present
with pain, edema, and impaired mobility. The diagnosis is challenging, requiring imaging
techniques. Its confirmation often occurs only after surgical treatment and anatomopathological
examination. The authors report two cases of patients with similar clinical presentations
of pain, edema, and mobility loss in the shoulder joint. The investigation included
imaging exams, such as radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging, and an anatomopathological
examination confirming the diagnostic hypothesis. Arthroscopic surgical treatment
with synovectomy and removal of loose bodies followed by physical therapy rehabilitation
resulted in clinical improvement in both patients. This report emphasizes the importance
of investigating suspected synovial chondromatosis due to its nonspecific clinical
presentation. Comparing our outcomes with the literature, we concluded that surgical
treatment with synovectomy, loose body removal, and physical therapy is effective,
and that long-term outpatient follow-up is necessary to detect recurrence.
Keywords
arthroscopy - shoulder - synovial chondromatosis - synovial membrane
