A Case of Synovial Chondromatosis of Temporomandibular Joint with Intracranial Extension Accompanied by Temporal Bone Resorption

Abstract

We present a case of synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with intracranial extension. SC predominantly affects the knee, hip, elbow and shoulder joints, and SC affecting the TMJ with bone destruction is rare. A 77-year-old man was referred to our department for assessment of tenderness in the right TMJ. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed that part of the right mid-cranial fossa had been destroyed and the dura mater was elevated by the lesion. The lesion was removed by surgery under anesthesia and the dura mater was exposed. A temporalis myofascial flap was used to reconstruct the defect and protect the exposed dura mater. No signs of recurrence or postoperative complications have been identified as of 6 years after surgery.