[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.