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Untreated synovial osteochondromatosis can lead to several serious complications, primarily affecting joint health and function. Below are some of the key complications that may arise if the condition is not managed appropriately:

1. Osteoarthritis: One significant complication is the development of osteoarthritis. The continuous growth of nodules can damage the joint surface over time, leading to wear and tear and degenerative joint disease (NCBI, OrthoInfo - AAOS).

2. Joint Dysfunction and Pain: Patients may experience significant pain, stiffness, and restriction of joint movement. This can severely impact mobility and quality of life (StatPearls - NCBI, Cureus).

3. Mechanical Injury: Loose bodies formed from the nodules can cause mechanical injury within the joint, further aggravating pain and dysfunction (Klarity Health).

4. Severe Disability: If the condition continues without treatment, it can result in severe disability, making normal joint usage painful and restricted (OrthoInfo - AAOS).

5. Potential Malignant Transformation: Although rare, there is a possibility of malignant transformation into synovial chondrosarcoma, a type of cancer, if abnormal changes occur within the nodules (ScienceDirect).

Here is an image illustrating synovial osteochondromatosis, which shows the joint affected by the condition:

These complications highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent joint damage and preserve joint function.