Arthroscopic Treatment of Primary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Ankle: A Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND: Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare disease characterized by the presence of metaplastic cartilaginous nodules arising from the synovia. Synovial chondromatosis has been widely described in the large joints, including elbow, hip, and knee joints, but very rarely in the foot or ankle. Data on the arthroscopic management of this condition in the ankle are also limited. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old woman of Asian-Indian origin presented with the right lateral ankle pain of 1-month duration, associated with swelling and numbness of the joint. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple loose bodies (at least 8) within the anterior ankle joint recess intracapsularly. She subsequently underwent right ankle arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy, removal of loose bodies, and microfracture with good post-operative recovery. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of ankle synovial chondromatosis with multiple loose bodies managed arthroscopically. Arthroscopic approach is a good alternative to open arthrotomy for the treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the ankle.