Arthroscopic synovectomy for pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee

Context
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative pathology of synovial joints mainly affecting the knee. Arthroscopic synovectomy has much lower morbidity than open synovectomy.
Aims
The objectives of the study were to evaluate the rate of recurrence and the function outcome after arthroscopic synovectomy for PVNS.
Settings and design
A retrospective study was held at Alexandria University.
Patients and methods
A retrospective study included all patients between 2010 and 2012 with PVNS of the knee. They were all treated by synovectomy followed by a chemical synoviorthesis in the case of residual lesions. Lysholm score was used for assessment of the results. The series included 28 patients, comprising 20 men and eight women, with mean age of 41±12 years.
Statistical analysis
SPSS, version 20.0, was used.
Results
At mean follow-up of 4 years, 28 patients were reviewed (18 nodular and 10 diffuse). Only two case had recurrence. It was a diffuse form. Recurrence occurred after one and half years in one case and after 2 years in the second case. After revision synovectomy, no recurrence occurred. The mean Lysholm score improved from preoperative value of 62.5±8 points to 91±8 (<0.01). The mean preoperative visual analog scale score improved from 41.5 to 95 points (<0.01).
Conclusion
Arthroscopic synovectomy revealed satisfactory control of the disease, and it preserved the function of the knee. In diffuse forms and recurrence forms, the patient’s chances of recovery are still possible.