Ankle Arthrodesis for Severe Arthritis Induced by Diffuse-Type Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

ABSTRACT

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a proliferative disease that affects the synovial joint, tendon and bursa. PVNS can form a nodular structure in any joint, but it most commonly affects the knee joint and is rare in the foot and ankle joint. PVNS is divided into two types. Localized-type PVNS exhibits focal involvement with a nodular mass, while diffuse-type PVNS involves the entire synovium. Synovitis of the affected joint can also destroy cartilage and bone. Diffuse type accounts for 75% of PVNS and has a reported recurrence rate of 12.2% to 46%; aggressive synovectomy is recommended as the most effective treatment. In localized-type PVNS, only arthroscopic partial synovectomy is effective with a lower recurrence rate. We report a patient with severe ankle joint arthritis induced by diffusetype PVNS. The patient was treated by lateral malleolar ostectomy and ankle arthrodesis with a plate and screws via a lateral approach.