[Effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment for synovial chondromatosis].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the technique of arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the hip and to evaluate its effectiveness.

METHODS

Between July 2009 and June 2011, 15 patients with synovial chondromatosis of the hip underwent arthroscopic synovectomy and removal of loose bodier. Of 15 patients, 11 were male and 4 were female, aged from 21 to 45 years with an average of 33.1 years. The location was the left side in 6 cases and the right side in 9 cases. The disease duration was 12-43 months (mean, 23 months) Pain and functional motion limitation were the main clinical symptoms. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.8 +/- 1.1; the range of motion (ROM) of the hip was (149.8 +/- 27.5)degrees; the Harris hip score was 54.5 +/- 13.3.

RESULTS

All incisions healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up 6 months to 2 years (mean, 17.4 months). At last follow-up, the VAS score was 2.0 +/- 1.2; the ROM of the hip was (258.3 +/- 35.4)degrees; the Harris hip score was 93.0 +/- 18.7; and the above indexes were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P < 0.05). No recurrence was found on postoperative MRI.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the hip has the advantages of minimal invasion, quick recovery, and best recovery of hip function and ROM.