A Rare Case of Multiple Rice Bodies in Glenohumeral Joint, Subscapular Recess and Along Long Head of Biceps

INTRODUCTION: Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, generally benign condition which affects the synovial membranes and commonly involves the large joints such as the knee, and hip. It is usually mono-articular and more common in males. Synovial chondromatosis is characterized by the presence of multiple cartilaginous nodules in the joint synovium. The definitive diagnosis is achieved after the pathological examination of the synovial tissue. It can be very destructive and can cause severe osteoarthritis, pain and malignant transformation. We present a rare case of primary synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder joint in a 31-year-old male patient CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old man presented with pain and restricted movements of left shoulder for past 6 months, which was insidious in onset and gradually progressive. He had no history of trauma, fever, loss of appetite or weight loss. No tenderness or warmth over shoulder joint was observed. Restriction of movements was observed in all directions. No abnormality was detected in central nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, genitourinary, or gastrointestinal systems. Routine pre-operative investigations (including liver function and renal function tests) were within the normal limit, serological investigation for rheumatoid arthritis was negative. Excision biopsy of loose bodies was performed. Biopsy reported histological features ofsynovial chondromatosis. CONCLUSION: Synovial osteochondromatosis of shoulder joint, subscapular recess and along the long head of biceps is a rare case (less than 5% cases reported till date). Understanding the pathology, recognizing the radiographic and MRI appearance of primary synovial chondromatosis and differentiating it from secondary form, malignancy and other synovial pathologies are important in the diagnosis and clinical management of these patients.