Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint with Extension to the Glenoid Fossa

Abstract

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare pathology that affects the large joints, it is exceptional in TMJ, it is related to a synovial metaplasia with production of cartilaginous bodies in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) , its slow evolution and its non-specific clinical presentation are the causes of the diagnostic delay that characterizes this pathology; We present a case of synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ in a 38 year old patient, in whom the CT scan showed a cartilaginous tumor of the TMJ with erosion of the glenoid fossa without intracranial extension, The biopsy with anatomopathological study confirmed the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis, the loose cartilaginous bodies were completely cleaned by arthrotomy through a right preauricular approach, the evolution was good, and the two-year follow-up did not find any sign of recurrence. Imaging, especially MRI, is very useful in the diagnosis of this pathology; there is no consensus regarding the treatment of synovial chondromatosis, either by arthrotomy or arthroscopy, the main point is to clean all loose cartilage bodies to avoid recurrence.