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Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the ankle: Expect the unexpected
Ozren Kubat1, Ivan Bojanić2, Tomislav Smoljanović2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Šalata 6-7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Background:
We present the technique, results and discuss arthroscopic treatment of the localized form of pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) of the ankle.
Methods:
Medical records of five patients diagnosed and treated for ankle LPVNS with a minimum five-year followup were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated arthroscopically, altered synovial tissue was resected and a sample of tissue was sent for pathohistological examination for the definitive diagnosis.
Results:
No recurrence was noted at a mean followup of 6.5 years, both clinically and by MRI at one year postoperatively. Patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, and an improvement was noted from an average score of 65.6 prior to treatment to 94.6 at final followup.
Conclusion:
Considering the results of this case series, and the absence of complications, arthroscopy is a viable option for treating LPVNS of the ankle.
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