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Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Loose-Body Removal and Synovectomy for Knee Synovial Chondromatosis: Comparable Results in Patients With and Without Concomitant Chondral Lesions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Arthroscopic loose-body removal and synovectomy are recommended for the treatment of knee synovial chondromatosis (SC). However, there are limited data on clinical outcomes and survivorship after arthroscopic treatment for knee SC. Purposes/Hypothesis: The purpose was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survivorship of arthroscopic loose-body removal and synovectomy in patients with knee SC, as well as to investigate the potential effect of concomitant chondral lesions on these outcomes. It was hypothesized that arthroscopic treatment for knee SC could yield satisfactory clinical outcomes, with concomitant chondral lesions negatively affecting clinical efficacy. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A consecutive cohort of patients diagnosed with knee SC and treated with arthroscopy between 2016 and 2022 was included in the study. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected preoperatively and at the final follow-up, including the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Lysholm score, and the visual analog scale for pain score. Data on arthroscopic findings, patient satisfaction, complications, and survivorship rates were also documented. The percentage of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated. Clinical outcomes were then compared between patients with and without chondral lesions identified during arthroscopy. Results: < .001), with >90% of patients achieving the MCID. Six knees (11.1%) experienced symptomatic recurrence confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, and 3 knees (5.6%) underwent reoperation. The survivorship rates free from recurrence and reoperation were 85.1% and 93.9% at 8 years, respectively. At the final follow-up, no significant differences were found between knees with (n = 32) and without (n = 22) chondral lesions in all postoperative scores and survivorship rate. Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment for knee SC yields favorable clinical outcomes with symptom relief and functional improvement. However, there remains a risk of recurrence and the need for reoperation. Additionally, patients with concomitant chondral lesions could achieve clinical outcomes and survivorship comparable to those of patients without chondral lesions.

Source: Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

DOI: 10.1177/23259671251352206