Arthroscopic synovectomy for diffused pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee

Objective:Diffused pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee is usually treated by open operation,but open synovectomy can not resect the synovium completely and may easily cause knee dysfunction.The purpose of this study was to explore the technique and clinical effect of arthroscopic synovectomy in the treatment of diffused pigmented villonodular synovitis.Methods: Seventeen cases of diffused pigmented villonodular synovitis were treated by arthroscopic synovectomy using the combined method of mechanical gouging with radiofrequency.The trans-posterior-septal approach was introduced to the debridement of the synovium in the posterior chamber.All the patients were followed up for 6-45 months,and the results evaluated according to the modified Ogilvie-Harris scoring scale.Results: None of the patients experienced recurrence of the subjective symptoms.Six months after the operation,the average score was 12.41,as compared with 2.53 before surgery;12 of the cases achieved excellent result,3 good and 2 fair result;the rate of excellent and good result was 88.2%.Conclusion: Arthroscopic synovectomy,with its advantages of minor invasiveness and rapid function recovery,can be the first choice for the treatment of diffused pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee.