Reference

Intra-articular bodies in synovial chondromatosis have distinctive radiographic features. The key characteristics include:

1. Multiple Calcified Bodies: The presence of multiple intra-articular calcifications is a hallmark feature. These are typically smooth, oval-shaped, and calcified, appearing as loose bodies within the joint space. These calcifications can be of similar size and shape in a high percentage of cases.

2. Ossification: In some cases, the calcified bodies can go through ossification, which may help distinguish them further in radiographic imaging.

3. Soft Tissue Masses: Radiologically, synovial chondromatosis is characterized by calcified soft tissue masses around the affected joints, which are more prominently visualized in imaging.

4. Signal Intensity in MRI: On MRI, particularly T1-weighted images, these loose bodies display low signal intensity higher than muscles, while on T2-weighted images, they may show up more clearly due to their variable ossification and calcification levels.

5. Radiological Variability: The size of these articular nodules can vary, and they may show differences in density and texture depending on the degree of calcification or ossification present.

For further reading, you can explore detailed articles on the topic such as those found on Radiopaedia and NCBI Bookshelf:

• Radiopaedia - Synovial Chondromatosis
• NCBI Bookshelf - Synovial Chondromatosis

Additionally, here are some images depicting these features:

These images highlight the radiographic appearance of synovial chondromatosis in imaging studies.