Arthroscopic Removal of Loose Bodies in a Young Adult With Synovial Chondromatosis of the Shoulder: A Case Report

Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare and benign condition characterized by cartilaginous loose-body formation within a synovial joint, most commonly occurring in the knee and hip and less commonly in the shoulder and elbow.This case describes a 24-year-old Arab-American man who presented with progressive left shoulder pain that worsened over approximately one year and remained unresponsive to conservative treatment with physical therapy.Despite initial management efforts, the patient experienced increasing discomfort and functional limitation.Magnetic resonance arthrography revealed numerous intra-articular cartilaginous loose bodies.The patient underwent arthroscopic loose-body removal, synovial debridement, and synovectomy, with histopathologic examination confirming synovial chondromatosis.At the threemonth follow-up, the patient demonstrated improved range of motion with pain-free abduction to approximately 160°.This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges posed by prolonged and worsening symptoms and highlights the importance of timely specialist referral and surgical intervention in persistent cases to relieve symptoms and improve functional outcomes.