Arthroscopic Synovectomy and Postoperative Assisted Radiotherapy for Treating Diffuse Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Knee: An observational retrospective study

OBJECTIVE This retrospective observational study aims to explore the treatment procedure and outcomes of arthroscopically assisted radiotherapy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee joint. METHODS From September 2006 to August 2011, 28 diffuse PVNS patients were diagnosed and treated under arthroscopy. Twenty six underwent post-operative radiotherapy. All patients were followed up, and the average follow-up period was 54 months (range: 24 to 72 months). RESULTS All 26 patients who received external radiotherapy showed no recurrence at post-operative follow-up; The Lysholm knee joint function score increased from 54.3±9.0 at pre-operation to 71.2±6.7 at post-operation (paired t-test, t = -13.35, P< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic synovectomy is an ideal treatment for PVNS of the knee. Adjuvant post-operative external radiotherapy prevents the recurrence of diffuse PVNS.