CASE REPORT   

Chirurgia 2003 October-December;16(5-6):185-8

Copyright © 2003 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Double approach synovectomy in the treatment of pigmented villo-nodular synovitis of the hip. A case report

Rosa M. A., Falcone G., De Santis V., Caminiti R.

Pigmented villo-nodular synovitis is a benign process of unknown nature with a behavior towards local recurrences. Localization to the hip joint is rare and is often associated to bone involvement that make treatment demanding. Treatment of early stages in which joint space is preserved, consists in synovectomy and excision of intraosseous lesions followed by bone grafting. Dislocation of the hip joint is mandatory to make a complete excision for the common involvement of the anterior and posterior aspect of the joint. The possible risk for avascular necrosis must be taken into account. A case in which a double approach synovectomy was performed in order to avoid hip dislocation is reported. At 5 years follow-up the patient is disease free, without evidence of avascular necrosis or osteoarthritis. The conclusion is drawn that the procedure made is reliable, without substantial complications and also considerating the age of the patient and the risks associated with hip dislocation.