title: Generalized synovial chondromatosis of the knee: a comparison of removal of the loose bodies alone with arthroscopic synovectomy.
abstract: Thirteen patients with generalized synovial chondromatosis of the knee were treated by either removal of the loose bodies alone (n = 5) or arthroscopic synovectomy (n = 8). The average follow-up was 38 months (range 23-61). There were three recurrences in the loose body removal group, which were subsequently treated by arthroscopic synovectomy. Statistical analysis of the results shows a significant improvement in pain, synovitis and effusion, range of movement, and function after either treatment. The group treated by arthroscopic synovectomy had significantly lower recurrence rates (p = 0.02). We recommend arthroscopic synovectomy for patients with generalized synovial chondromatosis. However, if loose bodies alone are removed, a recurrence can be successfully treated by an arthroscopic synovectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ogilvie-Harris
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Saleh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D015838:Chondromatosis, Synovial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007594:Joint Loose Bodies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D000074402:Synovectomy; D013997:Time Factors