Synovial osteochondromatosis is an unusual, rare and benign tumour. This disease is characteristically monoarticular, most commonly found in knee joint, however it is rarely found in the elbow. A 49-year-old Indian man presented to hospital with a 6-month history of pain, swelling, intermittent locking, loss of range of motion of right elbow and a considerable size of elbow with no recollection of associated trauma. Plain radiographs of right elbow showed numerous radiopaque round and oval loose bodies within the right elbow joints. Computer Tomographic (CT) scan showed multiple bony mass within the right elbow joint. Arthroscopic synovectomy, debridement, excisional biopsy and loose body removal combined with miniarthrotomy of the right elbow was performed due to limited exposure for removal of larger loose bodies. Histopathological examination of the tissue sample is consistent with the diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis. The clinical and radiological evaluation at 6th month postoperatively showed marked reduction in the volume of the elbow, further improvement of elbow range of motion of this patient and the Mayo elbow performance score before surgery and at 6 months postoperative, with an increase from 50 to 80 points. Synovial osteochondromatosis of the joints is a rare condition. The signs and symptoms are not specific and may be suggestive of other pathology conditions. Arthroscopic synovectomy and removal of loose body is the standard operative procedure till today. However, combination of arthroscopy and miniarthrotomy in cases of large loose bodies may provide a good clinical and functional outcome.
Giant cell tumour (GCT) of the metacarpal bone is rare, and it behaves more aggressively with a higher recurrence rate as compared to other long bones. Modalities such as bone curettage with or without bone grafting, ray amputation, or wide resection and reconstruction have been described as surgical management for this condition. Wide resection (en block) is often preferred as it has a lower recurrence rate among the rests. Reconstruction techniques options available include vascularised or non-vascularised fibular graft, iliac crest strut graft with loss of metacarpophalangeal joint function or with metatarsal substitution resulting in a more preserved function of the hand. This case report is about a 15-year-old teenager girl with a giant cell tumor of her left second metacarpal bone, which was confirmed with a plain radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging. This case report focuses the operative technique of the metacarpal reconstruction using the third metatarsal bone. The aim was to preserve hand function and cosmesis while achieving good local control of the disease without compromising the lower limb function. The transfer of osteoarticular ligamentous complex of the third metatarsal bone for the reconstruction of the second metacarpal bone defects is a possible operative procedure that provides good cosmetic and excellent functional outcomes while not compromising the donor’s foot function.