Synovial chondromatosis: A disorder of a joint featuring a change of the normal joint lining (synovium) tissue's cellular structure to form cartilage tissue. Synovial chondromatosis is rare. Synovial chondromatosis leads to pain in the affected joint as well as limitation of the range of motion and often locking.

The cause of synovial chondromatosis is not known.

Synovial chondromatosis generally affects only a single joint. The most common joints involved are the knee, hip, or elbow.

Synovial chondromatosis can be diagnosed by an imaging test of the joint, such as CAT scan or MRI scan.

Treatment of synovial chondromatosis typically involves surgical removal of the joint lining tissue.

When bone-like calcium-containing tissue is also produced in the abnormal joint lining, the condition is referred to as synovial osteochondromatosis.