Arthroscopically guided removal of large solitary synovial chondromatosis from the temporomandibular joint

Synovial chondromatosis of the joint is a rare benign condition characterized by the formation of metaplastic cartilage in the synovium of the joint resulting in numerous attached and unattached osteocartilagenous bodies. Involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is uncommon. Arthrotomy is usually applied to remove the larger particles and the affected synovial tissues. The authors report the case of a 48-year-old female with a large solitary synovial chondroma in the left TMJ. The larger mass was removed successfully via an additional incision in the anterior wall of external auditory meatus under the guidance of arthroscopy. The patient has been symptom-free for 5 years postoperatively.