If allowed to continue, the slow, progressive symptoms can result in decreased range of motion, effusions, crepitation and eventual locking of the joint. This condition has also been described in the synovium, soft tissue and bursae. Secondary synovial chondromatosis may be present after long standing osteoarthritis. There are several possible etiologies for synovial chondromatosis. Trauma is supported by the fact that the process occurs primarily in weight bearing and dominant upper extremity joints.
Infection is another possible culprit.
Another theory postulates that cartilage shed into the joint is taken up by the synovium. The radiologic appearance of synovial chondromatosis is usually that of radiopaque round or oval loose bodies within the joint. Other radiologic signs include effusion, degenerative arthrosis, osteophytes and subchondral sclerosis. CT scan is useful for viewing loose bodies that may not have calcified and are not visible on plain x-ray. MRI demonstrates multiple small filling defects and offers no real advantage over CT scan.