title: Arthroscopic synovectomy in pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee: clinical series and outcome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of arthroscopic excision of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee joint.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively assessed the results of arthroscopic excision of PVNS done in 40 patients from 1987 to 2012 by the senior author (JVS). No radiotherapy was given to any patient. All patients were followed for a mean of seven years. At follow-up functional assessment was done using the Lysholm score. Recurrence-free survival and recurrence-free survival probability were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No recurrence was noted in the localised variety. In the diffuse variety the five year recurrence-free survival probability was 57%. Twelve patients developed recurrences between three months and two years. No recurrence was noted after two years. The mean recurrence interval was 6.25 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We concluded from this series that arthroscopic excision is an effective treatment for localised as well as diffuse PVNS. Recurrences can also be successfully dealt with by arthroscopic excision with excellent functional outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Aware Global Hospital, Karmanghat, India, dr.jiteshajmera@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Jitesh K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: J V S
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Vidyasagar
authors.forename: Radha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sagar
authors.forename: Hiren
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Matad Lokeshwaraiah
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Chetan
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bajaj
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000074402:Synovectomy; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D013586:Synovitis, Pigmented Villonodular / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome