Arthroscopic treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of the arthroscopic treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee and to determine the recurrence rate with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation at midterm follow-up.

METHODS

Thirty consecutive patients diagnosed with localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee were treated arthroscopically between 1990 and 2008. Clinical assessment was made with the use of Lysholm Knee Scale, and radiologic assessment was done by plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. Recurrence rate of the disease was also estimated.

RESULTS

The average follow-up was 75 months (range 12-144). The median age of the patients was 46 years (range 23-71). Symptoms were discomfort of the knee (100%), swelling (90%), locking (50%), pain (10%) and palpable mass (15%). A history of knee trauma was present in 10% of the patients. The nodules were localized in the gutters (45%), suprapatellar pouch (26%), patellar fat pad (13%), posterior compartment of the knee (13%) and in the femoral notch (9%). The median Lysholm Knee Score was 56.5 (range 53-60) and 85.5 (83-88) preoperatively and at final follow-up, respectively. No postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee. Magnetic resonance imaging is essential to diagnose this pathologic condition and to define accurately its localization and treatment strategy.