Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of hip joint

PURPOSE: This retrospective study summarized the clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic manifestation of synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the hip, along with the post-operative effect to discuss the curative effect of arthroscopic management of hip SC. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery from the same surgeon for hip SC were followed up for an average of 45 months. T-shaped capsulotomy was routinely performed in each case. Visual analog scale, range of motion, modified Harris Hip Score, and International Hip Outcome Tool score were collected preoperatively and at the time of the latest follow-up. All patients’ demographics, radiographs, and arthroscopic images were collected to summarize and conclude the similarities and differences of their manifestation. RESULTS: Large wedged clumps of loose bodies demonstrated distinguishable radiographic, arthroscopic appearance and demanded a different surgical strategy. Postoperative scores were all significantly improved. One case of residual pain and two cases of residual loose bodies with no symptom related were reported at the final follow-up. All but one patient were satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopy treatment of hip SC with T-shaped capsulotomy has demonstrated a good result in terms of clinical outcome score, recurrence rate, and complication rate. On the basis of this study, we concluded the clinical performance of large wedged clumps of loose bodies of hip SC.