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Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Rat Model of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Published on: September 28, 2018
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Glenohumeral Joint and Biceps Tendon Sheath
Eli T Sayegh1, Richard M Wilk1
1Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
Abstract:
A 34-year-old woman presented with paroxysmal, insidious shoulder pain with effusion. MRI demonstrated a permeative, intermediate-signal lesion on T1 and T2 sequences involving the glenohumeral joint and biceps tendon sheath. The patient was treated with arthroscopic synovectomy, debridement, and subpectoral biceps tenodesis, with histopathology demonstrating pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). PVNS is an extremely rare lesion of the glenohumeral joint and surrounding extra-articular structures. Awareness of this condition is paramount for timely diagnosis and intervention before joint destruction occurs. Arthroscopic treatment with meticulous attention to surgical technique is a feasible treatment strategy in the absence of end-stage chondral damage.
Insights
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare shoulder joint condition. Early arthroscopic treatment can effectively manage PVNS, preventing joint destruction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, benign neoplastic proliferation of the synovium.
- It can affect various joints, including the glenohumeral joint, leading to pain and effusion.
- Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent irreversible joint damage.
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