Rapid destruction of shoulder joint by pigmented villonodular synovitis treated by hemiarthroplasty: A case report

Pigmented villous nodular synovitis is an uncommon proliferative disease of the joints, and rarely reported in the shoulder. It can become symptomatic when proliferating soft tissue infiltrates a joint, causing arthritic changes including bone erosion. The literature has described the disease progression as indolent. Here we report on a case of PVNS of the shoulder joint which rapidly lead to significant bone damage and was subsequently treated by shoulder arthroplasty.

We report here on a 71-year old female patient who presented with a 6 month history of aggravating shoulder pain. Radiography imaging over a one month period indicated rapid joint destruction. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested the presence of PVNS of the shoulder joint and significant bone erosion. The patient was subsequently treated by shoulder arthroplasty performed by authors. Histological examination confirmed the PVNS diagnosis. Shoulder pain significantly decreased during the follow up period, and the patient was able to resume daily activities.

Comparing to Milwaukee shoulder syndrome or a joint infection, PVNS is known to progress indolently. However, our case clearly showed that PVNS could also cause radical destruction of the joint. Previous reports showed the high recurrence rate of PVNS after joint preserving surgery. In our experience hemiarthroplasty could be the choice of treatment with the low recurrence rate and high functional outcome.

Physicians should include PVNS in the differential diagnosis when they are presented with evidence of rapid destruction of the shoulder joint. Hemiarthroplasty could be treatment option for PVNS of shoulder joint.