I have Synovial Chondromatosis - 31 year old female - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

DarkDazzler · 05-19-2008, 11:29 AM

I have Synovial Chondromatosis - here's my symptoms and story.

I began feeling a "strange" feeling in my left knee when I was 31. It lasted several months. One extra busy week, it hurt more than usual and at the end of the day I finally decided to rest. As I was lifting my leg up into the bed, I felt something shift in my knee and then I could no longer straighten it or bend it fully.

I waited for three days to see if it would go away itself, but, when it didn't get better, went to the doctor. After an Xray and two MRI's with no definite diagnosis, the orthopedic surgeon preformed an exploratory scope. They found loose bodies inside with one of them lodged in my knee joint (causing the joint to lock). They did a partial synovectomy and diagnosed Synovial Chondromatosis.

I underwent physical therapy afterwards, but a year later was not satisfied with the results and requested more physical therapy. I now can flex my knee completely and nearly extend it fully.

Now I'm 34 and the same "strange" feeling has returned in the same place on my knee. I plan to rest much more than I did 3 years ago and not push it until it hurts painfully as I did 3 years ago. I'm hoping to put off another surgery until Fall of 08 by resting it, but I have accepted the fact that surgery is probably part of my near future.

I hope my story helps someone.
DarkDazzler

Jane24 · 10-25-2008, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkDazzler

I have Synovial Chondromatosis - here's my symptoms and story.

I began feeling a "strange" feeling in my left knee when I was 31. It lasted several months. One extra busy week, it hurt more than usual and at the end of the day I finally decided to rest. As I was lifting my leg up into the bed, I felt something shift in my knee and then I could no longer straighten it or bend it fully.

I waited for three days to see if it would go away itself, but, when it didn't get better, went to the doctor. After an Xray and two MRI's with no definite diagnosis, the orthopedic surgeon preformed an exploratory scope. They found loose bodies inside with one of them lodged in my knee joint (causing the joint to lock). They did a partial synovectomy and diagnosed Synovial Chondromatosis.

I underwent physical therapy afterwards, but a year later was not satisfied with the results and requested more physical therapy. I now can flex my knee completely and nearly extend it fully.

Now I'm 34 and the same "strange" feeling has returned in the same place on my knee. I plan to rest much more than I did 3 years ago and not push it until it hurts painfully as I did 3 years ago. I'm hoping to put off another surgery until Fall of 08 by resting it, but I have accepted the fact that surgery is probably part of my near future.

I hope my story helps someone.
DarkDazzler

Jane24 · 10-25-2008, 06:40 PM

I have synovial chondromatosis of the hip. It started 7 years ago,when I was 39. I was diagnosed promptly and had arthroscopic surgery. Less than a year later the symptoms returned. 3 years ago I had an open synvectomy and in the last 6 months the symptoms and disease has returned, as shown by an MRI. I am now dealing with the pain, mostly at night, until I get a hip replacement. My doctor is ready when I am. I am still hoping it will somehow go away on its own, but it looks like a hip replacement is inevitable.
I am a very active individual and am quite disappointed with this disease. I was hoping to find someone who is actually cured of it or at least have relief for quite awhile.

Good luck on your next surgery. I hope it works.

katlin09 · 10-25-2008, 11:57 PM

Jane,

I hear your distress and feel sorry for your situation. I myself am trying to put off having both knees replaced because I'm too young (39) to do it. And doing a hip replacement at your young age would not be fun at all.

gimpyhip · 12-01-2009, 02:16 PM

I was wondering how Jane is doing? I have had hip pain for at least 10 years. 8 years ago it was x-ray'd with no diagnosis. Last week I just couldn't stand it anymore and insisted on another x-ray. This time they discovered SC and I'm waiting to go see a specialist. I figure I've had it for over 10 years........I also am very active. I'm 42 and have mainted my high school weight even after having 2 children, I walk at least an hour every day, sometimes 2. I love to ride horse/motorcycle/bike and play tennis. I have tried to ignore the hip pain but can no longer do it. Mostly hurts during work day while sitting. up and about feels much better, I also wondered if you had back pain.
I just wanted to hear your story..........

I'm of the opinion that having a hip replacement now would give me years of active life instead of wasting these years dealing with pain, slowing down, gaining weight. I don't want to be old and tired before getting a new hip - I want it while I can enjoy it......

hope to hear from you - gimpyhip