Unilateral synovial chondromatosis of temporomandibular joint after local trauma – case report

Vol. 12 – Number 45 – 2020 IMPLANT DENTAL NOTEBOOK Case report Page 53-58 Unilateral synovial chondromatosis of temporomandibular joint after local trauma – case report Luiz Henrique de Melo Nogueira¹ Luciano Henrique Ferreira Lima² Beneval José dos Santos Júnior³ André Vitor Alves Araújo³ Abstract Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare pathological condition that is characterized by the formation of cartilaginous nodules inside a joint cavity. It mainly affects the knee joints, hip, shoulder, and elbow, so the TMJ is rarely the target of such condition. Its etiology is still unknown and is usually diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), histopathological exams, and, in some cases, arthroscopy, once the clinical inspection normally is not enough to conclude the diagnose. This study reports a case of a 35-year-old man that came to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service complaining about limited mouth opening, occlusal dystopia, and increase of volume on the right pre-auricular region associated to pain. The SC diagnosis was suggested after realizing a CT and MRI. An Al-Kayat approach was performed to fully visualize the TMJ, removal of all the cartilaginous fragments, hemostasis and suture by layers. The diagnosis was confirmed through the histopathological exam. The patient evolved asymptomatic. Descriptors: Synovial chondromatosis, temporomandibular joint, oral surgery. ¹ Graduated in Dentistry – Newton Paiva. ² Resident in Buccomaxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology – FOP / UNICAMP. ³ Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Residency Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology at Hospital Municipal Dr. Mário Gatti-SP.