Synovial chondromatosis, a cause of hip pain: a case report

Synovial chondromatosis is a proliferative disease of the synovium associated with cartilage metaplasia that causes localized joint pain and affects its function.

A 63-year-old white woman presented with right hip pain, lasting over 10 years. Pelvic radiography showed right hip osteoarthritis and ipsilateral periacetabular opacities. Computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of hip synovial chondromatosis.

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign, rare condition that affects the synovial joints and is characterized by the presence of free cartilaginous bodies within the joint capsule. Although the etiology of synovial chondromatosis is not established, it is known that synovial membrane metaplasia leads to the formation and proliferation of cartilaginous nodules. The knee is the most affected joint; however, synovial chondromatosis may occur in the shoulder, elbow, or, rarely, the hip. As we can see in this case, diagnosis can be made using radiography.