[Synovial osteochondromatosis: several valuable clinical observations in 12 cases].

In the treatment of twelve cases of synovial osteochondromatosis, the loose bodies were studied clinically, pathologically and roentgenologically. Several notable clinical features were observed: (1) the mass of a big loose body is splintery and liable to break up into small pieces. (2) Microscopically, the loose bodies are usually built by piling of multiple small cartilaginous nodules, surrounded by fibrous tissues. (3) Radiologically, calcification and ossification in the loose bodies or intrasynovial nodules neither is related with the diameter, nor is always in the central position. These findings are of value to the diagnosis of the mentioned disease, especially phase 3, rather than relying on the criterion of the number of loose bodies.