Synovial Chondromatosis Versus Rice Bodies

Although rare, loose bodies can be found in joints and cause symptoms of swelling, stiffness, and pain, leading patients to seek clinical treatment. Two types of loose bodies include rice bodies (RBs) and those associated with synovial chondromatosis (SC). Although confused because of similar gross appearance and presentation on imaging, these bodies are pathologically distinct with RBs being composed of fibrin and SC forming nodules of hyaline cartilage. Treatment of either SC or RBs should consider underlying causal or correlating diseases in addition to potential surgical removal of the loose bodies.