# Primary Synovial Osteochondromatosis of the Elbow in a Young Adult Complicated by Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 25-year-old man with chronic elbow pain was diagnosed with a rare condition called primary synovial osteochondromatosis complicated by osteoarthritis and successfully treated with surgery.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of primary synovial osteochondromatosis in the elbow complicated by osteoarthritis.

## Key findings

- The patient showed multiple calcified bodies in the elbow joint with arthritic changes confirmed by imaging.
- Surgical synovectomy and debridement significantly improved pain and joint function.
- Elbow involvement is uncommon and often diagnosed late due to nonspecific symptoms.

## Abstract

Primary synovial osteochondromatosis is a benign and uncommon pathology, resulting from metaplasia of the synovial tissue, of unknown cause, leading to the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules, some of which secondarily detach to form free articular bodies. Its location in the elbow, complicated by osteoarthritis, is poorly described in the literature. We present the case of a 25-year-old man presenting for chronic right elbow pain with joint locking and swelling without a history of trauma. Physical examination revealed an increase in elbow volume compared to the contralateral elbow, with limitation of active or passive joint range of motion. Radiological examinations, including standard radiography (X-rays), CT, and MRI, revealed multiple rounded, floating, and calcified bodies disseminated in the joint associated with arthritic changes, confirming the diagnosis of primary synovial osteochondromatosis complicated by osteoarthritis. Synovectomy combined with arthroscopic debridement and removal of loose bodies was performed, resulting in significant improvement in pain and joint function. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of primary synovial osteochondromatosis. Elbow involvement is unusual and often diagnosed late due to nonspecific symptoms. Imaging is essential for early diagnosis and to assess synovial extension and cartilaginous complications.