Posttraumatische synoviale Chondromatose des Ellenbogengelenks

Synovial chondromatosis (sCM) is a metaplasia of the synovial membrane associated with extensive intra-articular extrusion of chondroid nodules. The sCM progresses slowly and can cause intermittent local pain, nerve compression or mechanical entrapment. The occurrence is mostly idiopathic; however, the occurrence of secondary forms such as posttraumatic sCM is also discussed.

This article reports the case of a patient with a symptomatic posttraumatic sCM following a supracondylar fracture of the humerus with an increasing painful limitation of movement of the elbow joint. Imaging diagnostics confirmed the diagnosis of an extensive sCM with accompanying synovitis and degenerative changes. Due to the arthroscopic removal of the joint loose bodies and synovectomy as well as arthrolysis the functionality of the elbow joint could be improved and the pain could be reduced.

Posttraumatic sCM after supracondylar humeral fractures is an extremely rare etiology for an increasing painful limitation of movement of the elbow joint. The clear differentiation from a commonly occurring posttraumatic arthritis and a malignant sarcomatous neoplasm is decisive for the treatment strategy and the choice of surgical technique. In most cases a symptomatic sCM can be successfully treated by arthroscopy.