A case of primary diffuse synovial chondromatosis of the ankle with
long-term follow-up is reported. Trauma is implicated as a precipitating
factor. This unusual, distinctive synovial neoplasm presents readily
recognizable pathological features (Fig. 2). Specific diagnostic criteria
are presented. The differential diagnosis of primary synovial
chondromatosis includes secondary reactive synovial chondromatosis and
synovial chondrosarcoma. The usual sources of osteochondritic loose bodies,
on the other hand, are traumatic joint disruption, osteoarthritis, and
infectious disorders. Acute primary synovial chondromatosis is adequately
treated by removal of the loose bodies and synovectomy. Postoperative
prognosis is dependent on the stage of the disease at the time of surgery.
In this acute case, the patient had minimum impairment, and ankle
roentgenograms twenty years after the arthrotomy were normal (Fig. 3).