Imaging of plant-thorn synovitis

We describe a case of plant-thorn synovitis of the elbow resulting from a t horn injury. This caused recurrent pain and swelling of the elbow over a 3- month period. A magnetic resonance imaging examination was initially reques ted to exclude septic arthritis, and demonstrated a joint effusion, synovit is, and a 2-cm linear opacity embedded in the synovium. Ultrasound was perf ormed prior to surgery to confirm these findings and provide accurate local ization of the thorn fragment, later removed at surgery. To our knowledge t his is the first example of this condition that has been confirmed by radio logical imaging prior to surgery.