Pustulotic arthro-osteitis report of a case successfully treated with laser-assisted arthroscopic synovectomy

A 61-year-old man with palmoplantar pustulosis had pain and swelling persisting in his left knee for more than 3 years. The rheumatoid factor and HLA B 27 antigen were absent. Plain radiographs of the knee revealed no abnormalities despite the persistent synovitis. The bone scintigraphy showed increased uptake in the manubriosternal joint as well as in the knee. Eventually, the patient underwent arthroscopic synovectomy assisted with a holmium: YAG laser. No postoperative complications such as hemarthrosis were noted. The patient was pain free with full range of motion of the knee 22 months after surgery. Peripheral arthritis associated with palmoplantar pustulosis is usually transient. This unique case suggests that laser-assisted arthroscopic synovectomy would be a useful therapeutic option for persistent severe synovitis resistant to conservative treatment in pustulotic arthro-osteitis.