Clinical and radiological findings of temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis perforating the glenoid fossa: A rare case report

Abstract

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare benign disorder in which mesenchymal remnants of synovial tissue undergo cartilaginous metaplasia. It is usually confined to the superior joint space; however, it can occasionally extend beyond the joint capsule into the cranium, parotid gland, infratemporal fossa, or external auditory meatus. SC of TMJ with intracranial invasion is very rare. Few cases with such large extent of the disease have been reported in the literature. In this report, we present the clinical features and imaging findings of a rare case of TMJ SC perforating the glenoid fossa leading to communication with the base of the skull. This case report attempts to identify clinical characteristics of intracranial extension and highlighting the various imaging modalities which aid in the diagnosis of SC.