Synovial chondromatosis of the elbow: A rare case with severe joint destruction treated with arthrodesis

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign tumor that generally affects large joints such as the knee and hip. Elbow joint involvement is very rare, especially with severe joint destruction. Diagnosis is often delayed because the symptoms are non-specific and resemble other conditions. A 59-year-old woman presented with a progressive lump in the right elbow that had appeared for the past year and was accompanied by tingling, numbness, pain, and limited movement to only 90° flexion. Radiographs showed radioulnar joint dislocation and multiple opacities resembling loose bodies. Magnetic resonance imaging showed active synovitis, bursitis, and cartilage nodules (hypointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2) accompanied by synovial thickening and loss of articular cartilage. Core biopsy showed synovial tissue without a typical tumor pattern. After tumor excision, elbow arthrodesis with internal fixation in a 90° flexion position was performed. The patient showed significant clinical improvement without complications at 1-month post-operative evaluation. This case demonstrates that synovial chondromatosis of the elbow can cause severe joint destruction and dysfunction if not treated properly. Management by excision and arthrodesis can be the definitive choice in cases with extensive joint damage. Early detection, appropriate therapy choices, and long-term monitoring are important to prevent recurrence or malignant transformation.