Synovial Chondromatosis of the Elbow With Asymptomatic Ulnar Nerve Compression.
Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, proliferative disease of hyaline cartilaginous bodies within the synovium of joints. We report a rare case of primary synovial chondromatosis diffusely affecting the ulnohumeral joint causing pain and motion limitations with extrusion into the cubital tunnel and compressing the ulnar nerve but without any preoperative signs or symptoms of ulnar nerve compression. The patient was successfully treated with an open synovectomy to limit disease progression and improve motion. This case highlights that synovial conditions of the elbow may involve the ulnar nerve even when a patient is asymptomatic. Preoperative use of magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow should be considered in patients undergoing either an open or arthroscopic synovectomy.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Steadman-Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO.
Jonathan M
JM
Frank
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Electronic address: bryan.m.saltzman@gmail.com.
Bryan M
BM
Saltzman
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL.
Mohamad
M
Hemu
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
Robert W
RW
Wysocki
D000328:Adult; D015838:Chondromatosis, Synovial / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D017769:Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*
Elbow; PSC; synovial chondromatosis