How is synovial chondromatosis diagnosed?
Radiograph may be diagnostic if the chondroid bodies are calcified resembling a calcified mulberry or popcorn. Plain radiograph is nondiagnostic in 30% of cases. MRI will show nodules of cartilage in the synovium which are dark on T1-weighted images and bright (white) on T2-weighted images due to water content in the hyaline cartilage. Loose bodies can be seen. Arthroscopic biopsy is diagnostic if performed.
