[Erosive intervertebral joint lesions. A case of pigmented villonodular synovitis]

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative lesion that can affect synovial membranes, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It is usually a monarticular disease of the lower extremities, and so far fewer than 30 cases of spinal involvement have been reported in the literature. We describe a patient with progressive lumbar pain and spinal claudication, in whom a CT scan of the lumbar spine revealed destruction fo facet joints L3 to L5. An open biopsy was performed, which led to the diagnosis fo PVNS. The patient underwent successful surgical resection of the tumour mass and stabilization of segments L3 to S1. Two years after surgery the patient has no signs of recurrence. Differential diagnosis of erosive vertebral joint disease is discussed.