Synovial chondromatosis of temporomandibular joint: a case report and literature review

To explore the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of synovial chondroma in the temporomandibular joint and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

A case of right temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis admitted to the Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University was reported, and the related literature was reviewed and analyzed.

During the movement of the mandibular opening, noise and obvious pain were found. The imaging features showed that several free calcification shadows of different sizes were seen around the condyle in the right articular fossa. The right temporomandibular joint mass resection and articular disc reduction were performed under general anesthesia, and the postoperative pathological results showed synovial chondromatosis. The patient′s symptoms were relieved 3 months after the surgery, and the imaging examination showed no residual lesions. A review of the literature shows that synovial chondromatosis usually occurs in large joints, such as the knee, hip, elbow, and shoulder joints, and rarely occurs in the temporomandibular joint. It occurs in middle-aged patients, manifesting as pain, swelling, and limited movement. Imaging studies play an important role in diagnosis, but the final diagnosis requires pathological diagnosis. Surgical treatment is effective, and synovial chondromatosis does not easily relapse.

The diagnosis of TMJ synovial chondroma should be combined with clinical manifestations, imaging features, and pathological examination. Surgery is an effective treatment. After completely removing the diseased and affected tissues, the disease has a good prognosis and does not easily relapse.