Chondromatosis in the knee | Further Information

Chondromatosis in the knee

Besides the shoulder and elbow, the knee is the joint where synovial chondromatosis occurs most frequently. Patients with chondromatosis can be free of symptoms for long periods of time. At a certain point, however, pain becomes apparent during movement or stress.

In addition, patients report that they can no longer move their knee to its full extent. This is due to the fact that the chondromas no longer lie only on the joint surface, but protrude from the joint surface or are already floating freely in the joint. The problem here is that the free bodies in the joint damage the still functional cartilage.

As a result, patients develop arthrosis (degenerative wear and tear of the joint cartilage) over the years. X-rays and an MRT can be used to determine whether chondromatosis is present. This can then be treated arthroscopically.

The removal of superficial chondromas and the removal of freely floating fragments is a central part of arthroscopy. Extensive flushing of the knee usually results in many fragments being flushed out. A detailed examination of the chondromatosis is important to detect a potential malignant change at an early stage.

Chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint

The occurrence of chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is a rather rare diagnosis. Patients experience pain, swelling and crepitation (crunching noises) over the temporomandibular joint. In addition, there are problems with opening the mouth. Often the patients have had many visits to the doctor before the diagnosis is made. X-rays show narrowing of the joint space of the temporomandibular joint as well as changes in the joint surfaces.

Chondromatosis in the hip

Synovial chondromatosis in the hip often causes movement-related pain in patients. The pain is often described as dull pain on the outside and in the groin. They report blockages and restrictions in the final range of motion are apparent.

Patients experience these complaints particularly during flexion (flexion) and rotation (rotation around the longitudinal axis of the thigh). Pain in the hip The diagnosis is made with conventional x-rays and, if necessary, an MRI. If these images show that chondromatosis is present in the hip, the free floating bodies can be removed arthroscopically. If the findings are very pronounced, then opening the hip joint may also be useful so that all the chondromas can be removed.