Radiofrequency thermo-ablation of PVNS in the knee: initial results.
BACKGROUND
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is normally treated by arthroscopic or open surgical excision. We present our initial experience with radiofrequency thermo-ablation (RF ablation) of PVNS located in an inaccessible location in the knee.


METHODS
Review of all patients with histologically proven PVNS treated with RF ablation and with at least 2-year follow-up.


RESULTS
Three patients met inclusion criteria and were treated with RF ablation. Two of the patients were treated successfully by one ablation procedure. One of the three patients had a recurrence which was also treated successfully by repeat RF ablation. There were no complications and all patients returned to their previous occupations following RF ablation.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study we demonstrated the feasibility of performing RF ablation to treat PVNS in relatively inaccessible locations with curative intent. We have also discussed various post-ablation imaging appearances which can confound the assessment for residual/recurrent disease.
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, England, SY10 7AG, UK. radhesh.lalam@rjah.nhs.uk.
Radhesh K
RK
Lalam
Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, England, SY10 7AG, USA.
Gillian L
GL
Cribb
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, England, SY10 7AG, UK.
Victor N
VN
Cassar-Pullicino
Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, England, SY10 7AG, USA.
Wim P
WP
Cool
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, England, SY10 7AG, UK.
Jaspreet
J
Singh
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, England, SY10 7AG, UK.
Prudencia N M
PN
Tyrrell
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, England, SY10 7AG, UK.
Bernhard J
BJ
Tins
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, England, SY10 7AG, UK.
Naomi
N
Winn
D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013586:Synovitis, Pigmented Villonodular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
Ablation techniques; Pigmented villonodular synovitis; Therapeutics