Bilateral synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint.
OBJECTIVE
To report an exceptional case of bilateral synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and discuss diagnostic approaches, treatment options and follow-up data.


METHODS
A 38-year-old woman presented with left preauricular swelling. Initial imaging studies revealed TMJ effusion only. Six years later, synovial calcifications were detected in the left TMJ; the right TMJ space was widened and presented incipient calcium deposits. Open arthrotomy of the left TMJ was performed, with removal of multiple cartilaginous loose bodies and complete synovectomy. Periodic controls proved the asynchronic development of intra-articular bodies in the right TMJ.


RESULTS
SC is a metaplastic arthropathy that is uncommon in the TMJ. Bilaterality is exceptional. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the non-specific symptoms, progressive developmental stages and clinicians' lack of awareness of the condition. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly helpful in defining disease extension, excluding a possible tumour and detecting internal derangement. Definitive diagnosis requires arthroscopic or open examination and histopathological analysis. Recurrences are infrequent after arthrotomy, removal of loose bodies and complete synovectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
SC is an uncommon condition in the TMJ. Bilateral involvement is extremely rare. MRI is effective for diagnosis and postoperative follow-up. Complete synovectomy usually yields an excellent prognosis.
Guijarro-Martínez
Raquel
R
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario of Valencia, 17 Blasco Ibáñez Avenue, 46010 Valencia, Spain. raquelguijarro@comv.es
Puche Torres
Miguel
M
Marqués Mateo
Mariano
M
Solís García
Ignacio
I
Miragall Alba
Luis
L
Iglesias Gimilio
María Eugenia
ME
Pérez-Herrezuelo Hermosa
Gonzalo
G
Pascual Gil
José Vicente
JV
D000328:Adult; D001178:Arthroplasty; D015838:Chondromatosis, Synovial / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D000074402:Synovectomy; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed