Bilateral synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract Purpose To report an exceptional case of bilateral synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and discuss diagnostic approaches, treatment options and follow-up data. Patients and methods A 38-year-old woman presented with left preauricular swelling. Initial imaging studies revealed TMJ effusion only. Six years later, synovial calcifications were detected in the left TMJ; the right TMJ space was widened and presented incipient calcium deposits. Open arthrotomy of the left TMJ was performed, with removal of multiple cartilaginous loose bodies and complete synovectomy. Periodic controls proved the asynchronic development of intra-articular bodies in the right T…