Pigmented villonodular synovitis of temporomandibular joint: pathological aspects and surgical treatment

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an uncommon, benign, tumour-like disorder of unknown etiology affecting synovium-lined joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It results in proliferative, locally invasive lesions, usually presenting in monoarticular form in adults. PVNS rarely presents in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision of the lesion, followed by immediate reconstruction. We report a case of PVNS with masticatory space involvement, and focus on the pathological aspects and surgical treatment of the lesion.