Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the ankle, an uncommon location: a case report
4 affiliations
- 1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bhayangkara Tk.I Pusdokkes Polri Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 2Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, Gatam Institute, Eka Hospital, Tangerang, Indonesia
- 3Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 4Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Abstract
Introduction and importance:: Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare benign metaplastic disorder characterized by the formation of intra-articular cartilaginous loose bodies. Although it commonly affects large joints, ankle involvement is uncommon and may lead to delayed diagnosis and progressive joint damage. Arthroscopic management of ankle SC has been infrequently reported.
Case presentation:: A 54-year-old active man presented with a 1-year history of progressive left ankle pain, crepitus, and restricted range of motion. Radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple intra-articular loose bodies and an anterior tibial spur. The patient underwent arthroscopic loose-body removal, complete anterior synovectomy, and anterior tibial spur resection through standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals. Histopathological examination confirmed synovial chondromatosis. Early weight-bearing was initiated on postoperative day 1. At three-month follow-up, the patient achieved complete pain relief, full range of motion, and no radiographic evidence of recurrence. At six-month follow-up, he remained free of complaints. At 9-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, with no clinical evidence of recurrence.
Clinical discussion:: Complete removal of loose bodies and synovectomy are essential to minimize recurrence. Arthroscopic treatment offers excellent joint visualization, minimal soft tissue disruption, and rapid functional recovery in appropriately selected cases.
Conclusion:: This case highlights that SC should be considered in patients with chronic ankle pain and mechanical symptoms. Arthroscopic management can provide excellent short-term clinical outcomes while minimizing surgical morbidity.
Related
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- Synovial Chondromatosis of Hip: A Rare Cause of Hip Pain in a Young Adult.
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BibTeX
@article{luthfi2026arthroscopic,
title = {{Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the ankle, an uncommon location: a case report}},
author = {Andi Praja Wira Yudha Luthfi and Audie Djiady and Carmen Claude Margo and Frederika Frederika and Mitchel Mitchel and Erica Kholinne},
journal = {International Journal of Surgery Case Reports},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1097/rc9.0000000000001131},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1097/rc9.0000000000001131},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the ankle, an uncommon location: a case report
AU - Andi Praja Wira Yudha Luthfi
AU - Audie Djiady
AU - Carmen Claude Margo
AU - Frederika Frederika
AU - Mitchel Mitchel
AU - Erica Kholinne
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
DO - 10.1097/rc9.0000000000001131
UR - https://doi.org/10.1097/rc9.0000000000001131
AB - Introduction and importance:: Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare benign metaplastic disorder characterized by the formation of intra-articular cartilaginous loose bodies. Although it commonly affects large joints, ankle involvement is uncommon and may lead to delayed diagnosis and progressive joint damage. Arthroscopic management of ankle SC has been infrequently reported. Case presentation:: A 54-year-old active man presented with a 1-year history of progressive left ankle pain, crepitus, and restricted range of motion. Radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple intra-articular loose bodies and an anterior tibial spur. The patient underwent arthroscopic loose-body removal, complete anterior synovectomy, and anterior tibial spur resection through standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals. Histopathological examination confirmed synovial chondromatosis. Early weight-bearing was initiated on postoperative day 1. At three-month follow-up, the patient achieved complete pain relief, full range of motion, and no radiographic evidence of recurrence. At six-month follow-up, he remained free of complaints. At 9-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, with no clinical evidence of recurrence. Clinical discussion:: Complete removal of loose bodies and synovectomy are essential to minimize recurrence. Arthroscopic treatment offers excellent joint visualization, minimal soft tissue disruption, and rapid functional recovery in appropriately selected cases. Conclusion:: This case highlights that SC should be considered in patients with chronic ankle pain and mechanical symptoms. Arthroscopic management can provide excellent short-term clinical outcomes while minimizing surgical morbidity.
SN - 2210-2612
ER -