Giant intra-articular synovial osteochondromata of the knee.
OBJECTIVE
Synovial chondromatosis associated, intra-articular loose bodies are usually small in size. Giant intra-articular loose bodies are rare.


METHODS
We present the case of a patient with synovial chondromatosis associated giant intra-articular loose bodies located under the patella and the intercondylar fossa, treated successfully with combined arthroscopic and open excision.


CONCLUSIONS
Giant intra-articular loose bodies should be considered when treating patients with synovial chondromatosis. Arthroscopy confirms the diagnosis, allows the thorough examination of the knee joint, and subsequent excision of small or medium size attached synovial nodules or intra-articular loose bodies. Arthrotomy may be needed to excise giant loose bodies.
Second Department of Orthopaedics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
I
I
Sourlas
Second Department of Orthopaedics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Ev
E
Brilakis
First Department of Orthopaedics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Af
A
Mavrogenis
First Department of Orthopaedics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Na
N
Stavropoulos
Second Department of Orthopaedics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Ds
D
Korres
Synovial chondromatosis; arthroscopy; giant; joint loose bodies; knee joint