What is synovial chondromatosis?

Also known as: synovial osteochondromatosis, SOC.

The synovial membrane is a thin layer of tissue that lines the part of a joint that acts as a shock absorber between joints of bones. When the synovium thickens and fragments break off, the pieces may grow, calcify (become bone-like nodules) and become loose in the joint. This is synovial chondromatosis. Usually this process is benign (non-cancerous), however rarely, SOC may be become malignant.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM