Pain, swelling and loss of motion are the principal complaints. This is likely due to the location of the loose bodies, which appear to become well contained within the expanded capsule dorsally and volarly and therefore do not become entrapped between the joint surfaces. This is uniformly successful with all patients reporting resolution of symptoms and improved range of motion at follow-up. Unless enchondral ossification of the loose bodies is noted on radiographs, the diagnosis may remain unclear until surgery. The gross pathological appearance in association with intact articular surfaces is diagnostic.
Surgical treatment is straightforward and successful.
Intra-articular synovial chondromatosis in the hand is a rare but benign condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a swollen, stiff or painful joint. Spontaneous resolution is the exception and surgical synovectomy remains the most effective treatment. Floating bodies in joints. Synovial chondromatosis of the hand. Chondrosarcoma following synovial chondromatosis.