Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) is a benign (non-cancerous) condition that occurs due to overgrowth of the synovium, the tissues that line the joints, or production of excess synovial fluid. A majority of PVNS cases occur in the knee. Treatment of PVNS commonly includes a synovectomy to remove the excess tissue and fluid.
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) is a benign (non-cancerous) condition that occurs due to overgrowth of the synovium, the tissues that line the joints, or production of excess synovial fluid. PVNS can be localized, where only a portion of the joint is affected, or diffused, where the condition is more widespread and involves the entire joint. While PVNS can affect any joint, it most commonly affects the knee and presents with pain, swelling, and stiffness. Without treatment, it can continue to grow and cause arthritis, tendon or joint damage.
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) is a non-cancerous condition that occurs due to overgrowth of the synovium, the tissues that line the joints, or production of excess synovial fluid. The risks associated with PVNS include invasion and destruction of the neighboring bone, destruction of cartilage, extension beyond the joint into adjacent nearby tissue, arthritis, and in very rare circumstances can become malignant.
Radiographic imaging is used to help form a diagnosis of PVNS. These include X-Ray, MRI, CT and Bone Scans.
An example of an MRI is shown.
The treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) varies depending on the location and severity of the condition. Treatment options typically include open synovectomy, arthroscopic synovectomy, combined arthroscopic/open synovectomy, and joint excision/replacement. Specifically, for diffuse PVNS which is associated with high recurrence rates, treatment includes an open synovectomy. There are more limited treatment options for local PVNS, however an arthroscopy partial synovectomy may be performed. Radiation may also be considered in conjunction with surgery, which can help with local control.
An open synovectomy is a surgical procedure, in which an incision is made to the affected joint and the excess synovium causing PVNS is surgically removed. On the other hand, an arthroscopic synovectomy is a minimally invasive surgery which uses an arthroscope and makes small incisions to remove the excess synovium. Synovectomies are procedures to treat PVNS and can be performed as an open synovectomy, arthroscopic synovectomy, or combination of both.
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