[Surgical treatment for pigmented villonodular synovitis].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Pigmented villonodular synovitis(PVS) is a synovial proliferative disorder that remains a diagnostic difficulty. In this retrospective study we evaluated the diagnostic procedures, clinical symptoms and surgical treatment of PVS. METHODS: Six surgically treated cases of PVS were evaluated five of the lesions were located in the knee joint and one in the hip joint. Diagnosis of PVS was confirmed by histological examination. Operation showed characteristic findings of a joint effusion, and synovial proliferation. RESULTS: Five cases were treated with complete open total synovectomy, and one case received arthoplasty. The followed-up period averaged 3 years and six months (rangeing from 6 months to 6 years). Excellent and good function was seen in all and there was no recurrence. CONCLUSION: PVS diagnosis is frequently delayed due to nonspecific symptoms. Proper treatment includes surgery extension synovectomy for the diffuse form, and arthoplasty and total joint replacement for the severe bone involvement.