Synovial chondromatosis: A review of the literature and report of two cases

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign condition which develops in the synovial tissue of a joint, bursa or tenosynovial sheath. It is characterised by formation of cartilaginous nodules which may enlarge and grow into larger masses. Although radiological imaging contributes to a differential diagnosis, a final diagnosis can only be established with histological examination. Meticulous examination of the lesions is essential in ruling out sarcomatous change. We present a review of the literature and report two cases of synovial chondromatosis of the knee joints diagnosed over a ten-year period in the orthopaedic unit of a tertiary hospital serving mainly an urban- and peri-urban population sample.