A case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint secondary to preauricular trauma.

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign arthropathy characterized by chondrometaplasia of the synovial membrane, particularly in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The purpose of this article is to describe an uncommon case of synovial chondromatosis arising from the inferior joint space of the TMJ with an enlarged condyle secondary to preauricular trauma in a 44-year-old healthy male. The possible role of a traumatic event in the etiology, the usefulness of the combined performance of CT and MRI examinations for preoperative diagnosis and current treatment are discussed.