Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the ankle: Expect the unexpected.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We present the technique, results and discuss arthroscopic treatment of the localized form of pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) of the ankle. METHODS: Medical records of five patients diagnosed and treated for ankle LPVNS with a minimum five-year followup were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated arthroscopically, altered synovial tissue was resected and a sample of tissue was sent for pathohistological examination for the definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: No recurrence was noted at a mean followup of 6.5 years, both clinically and by MRI at one year postoperatively. Patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, and an improvement was noted from an average score of 65.6 prior to treatment to 94.6 at final followup. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this case series, and the absence of complications, arthroscopy is a viable option for treating LPVNS of the ankle.