Diagnostic arthroscopy of the hip joint in pigmented villonodular synovitis

A case of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip is presented. The delay between the onset of symptoms and the histopathologic confirmation of this condition generally accounts for the massive local bone invasion, frequently necessitating a total hip arthroplasty. Earlier diagnosis through arthroscopy and subsequent chemical synoviorthesis might reduce the need for more aggressive surgery and improve the prognosis of this rare condition.