Application of a real-time 3-dimensional navigation system for treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: A case report

RATIONALE: Real-time three-dimensional navigation systems can provide useful information for operators during surgery. The authors report a case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint treated by open surgery under the guidance of a real-time 3-dimensional navigation system with a 3-point rigid cranial fixation device. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 73-year-old woman presented with swelling in the left preauricular region and left temporomandibular joint pain. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint by imaging examinations. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated by open surgery under the guidance of a real-time 3-dimensional navigation system with a 3-point rigid cranial fixation device. OUTCOMES: The patient was diagnosed with synovial chondromatosis by histopathological examination. There were no complications. The real-time 3-dimensional navigation system with a 3-point rigid cranial fixation device provided an accurate and useful navigation image and clear surgical field during the surgical procedure. Thirty months have passed since the operation without clinical findings associated with recurrence. LESSONS: The guidance provided by a real-time 3-dimensional navigation system with a 3-point rigid cranial fixation device is useful in open surgery for the treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint.