Arthroscopic treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare disease, with multiple forms, anatomic sites, and treatment methods having been described. During a 10-year period, 14 patients, 7 male and 7 female, average age 35 years (range, 19 to 64 years) were treated for PVNS with arthroscopic partial or total synovectomy. Average follow-up was 42 months (range, 8 to 83 months). Twelve patients had diffuse and 2 had a localized form. Results were assessed subjectively, clinically, and radiographically, and were rated as excellent, good, fair, or poor. There were no complications and 10 patients (72%) were rated as excellent or good, 2 patients (14%) as fair, and 2 patients (14%) as poor. The recurrence rate was 14% and occurred in the group with diffuse PVNS. Radiographs did not show any bone erosion. The most widely accepted treatment for PVNS is synovectomy, and both open and arthroscopic synovectomy have been advocated as treatment. Advantages of arthroscopic treatment include accurate evaluation of the knee joint, treatment of other pathology, more rapid rehabilitation, decreased risk of joint stiffness, and less pain. In our experience, it appears that arthroscopic synovectomy is an effective method of treatment of this disorder.     

Use of polymethylmethacrylate to treat pigmented villonodular synovitis in the posterior compartment of the knee

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign process that mainly affects the knee joint. There are two types of PVNS, a localised and a diffuse form. Although adjuvant therapies are possible, the treatment consists of arthroscopic or open synovectomy of the affected area. The most common complication is local recurrence. We report the case of a patient with PVNS and osteolysis of the femoral condyle, treated with anterior arthroscopic synovectomy and posterior approach for the treatment of the femoral condyle erosion. The bone erosion was treated with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. There are no publications indexed in our knowledge that explain the treatment of PVNS associated with bone erosion by PMMA. Nine years after the procedure, the patient is leading a fully active life with no evidence of active disease.     

Result of arthroscopic treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee

Purpose:We report 10 years’ experience in arthroscopic treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee in a series of patients affected by the localized or diffuse form of the disease. The purpose of the study is to critically examine the results of arthroscopic synovectomy in the knee affected by PVNS, to determine the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.Type of Study:Retrospective case analysis.Methods:The study population consists of 19 patients, with an average follow-up of 60 months (minimum, 12; maximum, 128). All patients underwent knee arthroscopy. The 3 standard portals were used; posteromedial and posterolateral portals were added if required. Four patients were affected by localized PVNS and were subject to partial synovectomy with excision of the pathologic tissue. The remaining 15 patients presented a diffuse form of PVNS; 7 of them underwent extended arthroscopic synovectomy and 8 underwent partial synovectomy. The diagnosis was confirmed by synovial biopsy.Results:In the group affected by the localized form of PVNS, the arthroscopic local excision resulted in a complete and persistent regression of the pathology. Among the patients affected by the diffuse form of PVNS, clinical results were better and the recurrence rate was lower in the group treated with extended synovectomy. No relevant complications were encountered. In particular, no cases of infection, stiffness, or neurovascular lesions were seen.Conclusions:Arthroscopic synovectomy is an appropriate treatment for knee PVNS. Extended synovectomy must be performed in all cases of diffuse PVNS.     

Combined partial arthroscopic synovectomy and radiation therapy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee

We present the results of combined partial arthroscopic synovectomy and low-dose external-beam radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee. Mechanical synovectomy is an effective tool in treating PVNS of the knee, but when used alone it may be insufficient to eliminate all affected tissue. Intra-articular radiation or external-beam radiation may be added to mechanical synovectomy to treat recurrence but is not routinely done at the time of initial synovectomy. Combining intra-articular synovectomy with RT at the initial treatment for PVNS of the knee may reduce the recurrence rate. We present a prospective study of the treatment of 22 patients with clinical, ultrasonic, and histologically confirmed findings of diffuse PVNS of the knee. Characteristic clinical findings included pain, swelling, and erythema. These patients were treated by the Arthroscopic Surgery Group of the Orthopaedic Service at the Hospital “Hermanos Ameijeiras” in Havana, Cuba from 1990 to 1998. The protocol included anterior (patellofemoral, medial, and lateral) arthroscopic synovectomy and postoperative RT with a total dose of 2,600 cGy. This combination therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of pain and edema, and in improving overall function of patients. Nineteen patients (86%) had good or excellent results at an average follow-up of 33 months (range, 26 to 76 months). Three patients had residual stiffness and swelling, 2 of whom also had pain. Three had clinically and ultrasonically confirmed recurrence of disease and were treated with repeat arthroscopic synovectomy without harmful effects from RT. In all of the cases requiring repeat arthroscopic synovectomy, we observed fibrous bands secondary to reorganization of synovial inflamed tissue, meniscal retraction, and microscopic findings of fibrosis and cellular paucity. Partial arthroscopic synovectomy combined with low-dose RT in anti-inflammatory doses produced good results in the treatment of PVNS without significant complications in our patient series. Partial arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee for PVNS may be combined with RT to reduce the risk of disease recurrence. Adjuvant RT should also be considered for patients receiving a radical synovectomy to treat inaccessible or hidden disease sites. Rates of recurrence with combined partial (anterior) synovectomy and RT approach that of complete synovectomy in this series. Combining RT with radical arthroscopic synovectomy might further reduce recurrence rates.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 5 (May-June), 2001: pp 527–531     

关节镜术治疗色素绒毛结节性滑膜炎

目的：讨论关节镜下治疗色素沉着绒毛结节性滑膜炎。方法：1987年6月以来共行关节镜下滑膜刨削术治疗21例,其中膝关节19例,腕和踝关节各1例。结果：无手术并发症,病人早期恢复良好。全部病例经过平均3年8个月随访,优良率为80.9%。局限型疗效好于弥漫型。复发3例,复发率14.3%,全部为弥漫型,再次手术亦有效。结论：关节镜术诊断和治疗色素沉着绒毛结了性滑膜炎均有明显的优点。     

Open synovectomy with cryosurgical adjuvant for treatment of diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an uncommon, benign disorder usually affecting the synovial membrane of large joints. The diffuse form of PVNS is extremely difficult to control, and long-term recurrence inevitably results in arthrodesis or arthroplasty. Current treatments include surgical, chemical, and radiation synovectomy, but all have significant failure rates. In hope of obtaining a more complete synovectomy, we used cryosurgery as an adjuvant to open synovectomy in three patients. Two patients presented with multiple failed arthroscopic synovectomies, and one patient presented with arthroscopically unresectable PVNS. The surgical approach involved take down and repair of the anterior meniscal attachments, and direct entry into the posterior space through medial and lateral femoral capsular attachments. Cryosurgical surface spray was used on all non-cartilaginous surfaces. At follow-up of 14, 30, and 31 months, all three patients remained symptom-free and there were no indications of clinical recurrence. There were no obvious complications or morbidity from the cryosurgical procedure and all patients had excellent functional recovery. All patients returned to sports and their jobs without restrictions. In the past, it has been shown that cryosurgery is a safe and effective treatment modality for proliferative joint disease. We propose the use of adjuvant cryosurgery for PVNS patients selected for open synovectomy.     

关节镜下滑膜切除术治疗膝关节弥漫型色素沉着绒毛结节性滑膜炎

目的探讨采用关节镜技术治疗膝关节弥漫型色素沉着绒毛结节性滑膜炎（pigmented villonodular synovitis,PVNS）的方法及疗效。方法26例膝关节弥漫型PVNS患者均行关节镜下滑膜全切除术。术前国际膝关节砰分委员会（IKDC）膝关节功能主观评分为（36．8±4,6）分,Lysholm膝关竹功能评分为（31．7±5．6）分？结果术后均获随访,平均38（13～61）个月。1例患者术后22月复发,再次行关节镜下滑膜切除术。IKDC膝关市功能主观评分为（55．6±3.2）分,Lyshohn膝关节功能评分为（88.5±7.2）分,均明显高于术前（P〈0.01）。结论通过不同天节镜入路,成用刨削器结合等离子汽化技术能够完成膝关节弥漫掣PVNS的滑膜彻底切除,术后近期复发率低,且关节镜下手术具有损伤少、恢复快的优点。     

Synovite villonodulaire pigmentée de la cheville: à propos d’un cas et revue de la littérature

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign pseudotumoral disorder, of unknown pathogenesis, that often affects the young adult. The most affected joints are the knee and hip and it very rarely affects the ankle, with only a few cases having been reported in the literature. We report a new case of diffuse PVNS of the ankle in a 76-year-old patient, presenting with tumefaction at the circumference of the talocrural articulation, which was painless, had appeared rapidly and had no visible signs of inflammation. The clinical examination showed a firm, only slightly mobile, mass in the soft parts, with a creaking, cracking sensation when the ankle was moved and with neither neurological nor vascular disorders in the homolateral foot. The standard radiography showed significant narrowing of the ankle joint space with loss of osseous tissue and numerous periarticular calcifications. The syphilitic serology as well the inflammatory tests were negative. A subtotal surgical synovectomy was carried out, revealing total lysis of the cartilage and destruction of the subchondral bone. The histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of PVNS. One year later there does not appear to have been any recurrence and instability of the ankle is still the main difficulty.     

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee: average five-year follow-up of arthroscopic treatment

We have reviewed the results of arthroscopic treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) with reference to both recurrence and to function. Between 1985 and 1995, a single surgeon treated eight patients. At an average 5-year follow-up, all patients were interviewed and had assessment of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score for both the affected and unaffected knees. Also recorded were age, sex, and whether disease was recurrent, localized, or diffuse. Disease recurred in 4 patients, all with diffuse PVNS, and 3 of them required a further arthroscopic synovectomy at a mean of 16 months after the index procedure. All patients had good or excellent functional results. There was no significant difference between HSS knee scores for affected and unaffected knees. Arthroscopic synovectomy is a successful treatment in patients with localized PVNS of the knee and results in a knee that is functionally not different from its unaffected partner.     

Low-dose external beam radiotherapy as a postoperative treatment for patients with diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee

Background and purpose Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative disorder involving synovial membranes, and patients with PVNS have a variable prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes after synovectomy plus low-dose external beam radiotherapy for diffuse PVNS of the knee.

Methods We reviewed the medical records of 23 patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy between 1998 and 2007. 19 patients had primary disease and 4 had recurrent disease with an average of 2.5 prior surgeries. After synovectomy (17 arthroscopic surgeries; 6 open), all 23 patients received 4-MV or 6-MV external beam radiotherapy with a median dose of 20 (12–34) Gy in 10 fractions.

Results At a median follow-up of 9 (0.8–12) years, 4 patients had recurrent disease, with a median disease-free interval of 5 years. Of these 4 patients, 3 received salvage synovectomy and regained local control. Univariate analysis showed that age, sex, history of trauma, and total dose of radiation were not predictive of local control. 22 patients reported excellent or good joint function, and 1 who refused salvage synovectomy had poor joint function. None of the patients experienced grade 3 or higher radiation-related toxicity or radiation-induced secondary malignancies.

Interpretation Postoperative external beam radiotherapy is an effective and acceptable modality to prevent local recurrence and preserve joint function in patients with diffuse PVNS of the knee. Low-dose (20 Gy) radiotherapy appears to be as effective as moderate-dose treatment (around 35 Gy).     

关节镜与切开手术在类风关膝关节滑膜清理术的疗效比较

目的评价关节镜与切开术对类风关滑膜清理术的疗效。方法对1993年3月至2000年3月膝关节滑膜清理术的52例患者进行随访,其中24例行切开术,28例行关节镜术。切开组21例,关节镜组27例平均随访5年。观察疼痛缓解程度、滑膜炎复发情况、影像学改变、接受关节置换或关节融合比例进行比较。结果关节镜滑膜切除与切开相比,疼痛减轻相似,但滑膜炎复发比例更高,影像学骨关节炎进展更快。患者关节镜滑膜切除与切开相比,后期膝关节置换比例降低。结论关节镜下类风关滑膜切除可缓解疼痛,但滑膜炎复发比例高,影像学进展更快,不增加需要人工关节置换的比例。     

The management of diffuse-type giant cell tumour (pigmented villonodular synovitis) and giant cell tumour of tendon sheath (nodular tenosynovitis)

Giant cell tumours (GCT) of the synovium and tendon sheath can be classified into two forms: localised (giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath, or nodular tenosynovitis) and diffuse (diffuse-type giant cell tumour or pigmented villonodular synovitis). The former principally affects the small joints. It presents as a solitary slow-growing tumour with a characteristic appearance on MRI and is treated by surgical excision. There is a significant risk of multiple recurrences with aggressive diffuse disease. A multidisciplinary approach with dedicated MRI, histological assessment and planned surgery with either adjuvant radiotherapy or systemic targeted therapy is required to improve outcomes in recurrent and refractory diffuse-type GCT. Although arthroscopic synovectomy through several portals has been advocated as an alternative to arthrotomy, there is a significant risk of inadequate excision and recurrence, particularly in the posterior compartment of the knee. For local disease partial arthroscopic synovectomy may be sufficient, at the risk of recurrence. For both local and diffuse intra-articular disease open surgery is advised for recurrent disease. Marginal excision with focal disease will suffice, not dissimilar to the treatment of GCT of tendon sheath. For recurrent and extra-articular soft-tissue disease adjuvant therapy, including intra-articular radioactive colloid or moderate-dose external beam radiotherapy, should be considered.     

A case of co-existing pigmented villonodular synovitis and tuberculosis infection of the footand ankle

A woman presented with chronic left ankle pain and swelling with no systemic upset. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of her left ankle joint and flexor hallucis longus tendon. Combined arthroscopic and open synovectomy was performed. Histological examination of the synovium confirmed the diagnosis of PVNS, but culture of the diseased synovium yielded mycobacterium tuberculosis. This case illustrates the possibility of double pathology and the importance in excluding tuberculosis infection.     

Simultaneous Anterior and Posterior Synovectomies for Treating Diffuse Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

Background  

The current treatment methods for diffuse intraarticular or extraarticular type pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) include arthroscopic synovectomy or staged anterior and posterior open synovectomies. However, it is unclear whether simultaneous anterior and posterior synovectomies achieve local control and recovery of function.     

Results of total knee arthroplasty in patients with gonarthrosis resulting from the delayed diagnosis of PVNS: a case series

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign tumor that affects synovial lined joints, tendon sheaths and bursae. It is most commonly seen in one knee joint. The recommended treatment is total synovectomy, while radiotherapy can be used as adjuvant therapy for patients at risk for recurrence. The aim of our study was to show that the devastating effects of inactive diffuse PVNS may not be recognized for years and to evaluate the efficiency of aggressive total synovectomy on patients with PVNS during a follow-up period of 5 years. In the present study, 5 knees of four patients who had been previously followed due to gonarthrosis and diagnosed with PVNS during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were followed and evaluated for a mean duration of 68 months. Mean age of the patients was 61.2 (52–66). All patients were women. One patient had right knee involvement, two had left knee involvement, and one had both knees involved. All patients had diffuse PVNS. Total synovectomy was performed in all patients in addition to TKA. During the follow-up, recurrence was not seen in any of the patients and prosthesis loosening was not detected. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of total synovectomy over the 5 years following the operation and to show that the devastating effects of inactive PVNS may sometimes be overlooked for years before being recognized during the treatment of the gonarthrosis that develops due to the disease. Although the disease is generally monoarticular, the study also presents a patient with bilateral PVNS.     

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the shoulder associated with massive rotator cuff tear treated by arthroscopic synovectomy and debridement

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare condition. Our purpose is to describe the largest series of patients with shoulder PVNS, massive irreparable rotator cuff tear, and glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with arthroscopic debridement and synovectomy. We treated 9 patients with PVNS of the shoulder, irreparable rotator cuff tear, and slight glenohumeral arthropathy (group I). Patients underwent arthroscopic synovectomy and debridement. Results [constant score (CS) and subjective shoulder value (SSV)] were compared to those obtained from a control group (group II) of 20 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic debridement for irreparable cuff tear associated with hemorrhagic synovitis with no or slight glenohumeral arthropathy. Histologic examination was obtained in all cases to obtain the correct diagnosis. The preoperative shoulder function in group I was reduced with respect to group II. Upon follow-up, CS and SSV were lower in group I. Preoperatively, the differences relating to the CS value and to each item of the score were always statistically significant; instead, at follow-up, significant differences emerged in the CS, ADL, and ROM. At follow-up, significant differences emerged between CS of group I and of group II without glenohumeral arthropathy. Differences using the SSV were always statistically significant. The poor functional outcome of patients affected by PVNS can be attributed to the coexistence of the irreparable cuff tear and to the glenohumeral arthropathy. All patients with PVNS had shoulder osteoarthritis; it cannot be simply attributed to natural history of massive irreparable cuff tears, but to the pigmented villonodular synovitis.     

Adult multifocal pigmented villonodular synovitis—clinical review

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, benign proliferative disease of the synovial tissue that affects a single joint or a tendon sheath. Data from the literature present only a few cases of multifocal PVNS. This paper presents multifocal PVNS in the adult. This disease can affect bilateral shoulders, hips and knees. The diagnosis may be delayed by the slow evolution of the disease (up to ten years); some patients may be seen with late-stage degenerative joints, serious complications, painful and functionally uncompensated, with significant locomotion deficit. PVNS requires a radical treatment with prosthetic arthroplasty associated with synovectomy. Complex imaging (X-Rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound) and macroscopic appearance of the lesions during surgery confirms the clinical diagnosis of multifocal PVNS with secondary bone lesions. Histology marks the final diagnosis of multifocal PVNS. The postoperative results are good, with recovery in functional parameters of the joints with endoprosthesis.     

Subcutaneous pigmented villonodular synovitis caused by portal contamination during knee arthroscopy and open synovectomy

The etiology of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is not clear. Researchers have suggested that localized nodular synovitis is an inflammatory process, but more recent studies tend to describe the lesion as benign synovial neoplasm with the potential of local recurrence. Although the theoretical risk of secondarily seeding the remainder of the knee is evident, this is the first report of a subcutaneous PVNS caused by portal contamination during knee arthroscopy and open synovectomy. It supports a neoplastic origin of this lesion.