SYNOVIAL OSTEOCHONDROMATOSIS

SECONDARY SYNOVIAL OSTEOCHONDROMATOSIS (SOC) OF SHOULDER JOINT

Abstract

The shoulder joint trauma after one to two years usually induces growth of
its traumatic separated articular cartilage pieces, which sometime further deteriorates into
an uncommon condition termed as SOC (Secondary synovial osteo-chondromatosis).
Objectives: Is to determine the secondary osteochondromatosis of shoulder joint by its
specific differentiating features in history, skiagram, sonogram, MRI and microscopic findings
of tissue of the affected joint. Methods: A male of 34 years with complaint of pain, stiffness and
decreased range of movement in left shoulder joint came to an adult orthopedic outdoor unit,
Shalimar Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan and admitted in the orthopedic unit 3 for treatment. After
physical /clinical examination, Skiagram, sonogram and MRI of the patient’s affected shoulder
joint were performed by the Radiology department and diagnosed as secondary variety of
osteochondromatosis of the shoulder joint. Its nodules excised through arthroscopy were
examined histopathologically and found to contain fragments of articular cartilage with ring
of calcification. Conclusion: MRI imaging as compared to other medical imaging modalities
is more precise in estimating diagnosis of secondary osteochondromatosis. However the
diagnosis of this disorder is counter confirmed by presence of loose bodies of hyaline cartilage
encircled by calcification lamellae on histopathological examination.