A Case Report of Arthritis Mutilans with Numerous Cartilaginous Loose Bodies in Bilateral Elbow Joints

Abstract

A 34 year old female suffering from Rbeumatoid arthritis since her 20th year of age. She has been noticed tumorous swelling of medial condyle of bilateral humerus since December, 1969. These tumors enlarged gradually and then developed claw hand with sensory disturbance of 4th and 5th fingers. In x-ray findings of bilateral elbow joints, humerus, radius and ulna were all remarkably destructive and absorptive, that is classical Arthritis mutilans. Synovectomy in right elbow-joint was carried out in April, 1971. There were numerous cartilainous loose bodies in the capsule and respectively semitransparent substances from ant-egg to the head of little finger in size. In histological study, cartilaginous loose bodie were constituted with fibrinoid lucid substances and Synovial membrane thickened and infiltrated with chronic iuflammatory cells. Synovectomy in left elbow-joint was carried out in october 1971. Abundant free bodies were detected similary.