Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of hip joint

[Objective] To evaluate the treatment effect of the synovial chondromatosis of the hip through arthroscopy,and to describe the arthroscopic classification.[Methods]From March 2001 to May 2008,21 patients underwent arthroscopic management for primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip.Of the 21 patients,15 were male and 6 were female,aged from 17 to 49 years.The disease was located on the left side in 9 patients,the right side in 12.Anterior and anteriolateral approaches were selected for synovectomy and removal of free bodies.The peripheral compartment received traction,and curved scraper and Slide Winder Blade(the bending radio frequency)were used to deal with the acetabular fossa.[Results]The range of motion of the hip was improved and the pain was released after operation.MRI showed hydrops articuli was reduced or vanished.Harris hip score for the series of patients improved from 56.2 points preoperatively to 92 points at the mean follow-up of 45 months(11 to 96).Of the 21 patients,18(85.7%)had excellent or good outcomes.No recurrent case was found.[Conclusion]Hip arthroscopy proved beneficial for patients diagnosed with synovial chondromatosis of the hip.It had the advantages of minimal invasion,quick recover and satisfactory outcomes.Arthroscopic classification may guide the procedure and avoid omision of the free bodies.