I had to do a little research on PVNS because I am slso not very familiar with this condition.
Here is a list of the most common treatment:
In most cases of pigmented villonodular synovitis, surgery is the best treatment option.
In the past, because of the high rate of surgical complications and local recurrence rates, physicians recommended observation (no treatment) until a total joint replacement was required. Today, with improved surgical techniques, the rate of surgical complications and local recurrence rates have decreased to such an extent that most patients are best treated with surgery.
For people who are not good candidates for surgery, anti-inflammatory medicines and muscle-strengthening exercises can help alleviate the pain and swelling.
There are several surgical techniques to treat pigmented villonodular synovitis. Your doctor will discuss with you the type of surgery that will be best for you.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic (camera placed inside the joint) partial removal of the affected joint lining with the mass is the treatment of choice for localized pigmented villonodular synovitis today. Arthroscopy is commonly successful because recurrence rates of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis at the same site are very low.
Open Surgery
In patients with diffuse villonodular synovitis with both the front and back of the knee involved (most patients), open surgery rather than arthroscopy is often the best treatment. Your doctor will need to remove the mass and the entire joint lining to treat diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis.
Combined Arthroscopy and Open Surgery
When most of the mass is in the back of the knee, a combined surgical approach can be undertaken. The back the knee is treated with open surgery to remove the mass and joint lining, and the front of the knee is treated with arthroscopic removal of the joint lining. This combined method decreases the magnitude of surgery, allowing for an easier recovery.
The recurrence rate at the same site is higher in patients with diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis, but with proper surgical technique, the risk of recurrence can be minimized.
Total Joint Replacement
In its end stages, pigmented villonodular synovitis can cause extensive joint destruction. Once the joint has been significantly damaged, the best option to relieve pain and improve function is a total joint replacement.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can sometimes be used for patients with diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis that involves major nerve, tendon, or vascular structures or lesions that recur after surgery.
Radiation therapy is most commonly delivered via an external beam (treatment is directed from outside the skin to inside the joint). A newer method called intra-articular radiation (a radioactive fluid is injected into the joint with a needle) has been used as well.
Radiation therapy is usually reserved for patients in whom standard surgery has not been successful.
For more information, visit: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00506
Comment Reply
Hi Keri,
I had to do a little research on PVNS because I am slso not very familiar with this condition.
Here is a list of the most common treatment:
In most cases of pigmented villonodular synovitis, surgery is the best treatment option.
In the past, because of the high rate of surgical complications and local recurrence rates, physicians recommended observation (no treatment) until a total joint replacement was required. Today, with improved surgical techniques, the rate of surgical complications and local recurrence rates have decreased to such an extent that most patients are best treated with surgery.
For people who are not good candidates for surgery, anti-inflammatory medicines and muscle-strengthening exercises can help alleviate the pain and swelling.
There are several surgical techniques to treat pigmented villonodular synovitis. Your doctor will discuss with you the type of surgery that will be best for you.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic (camera placed inside the joint) partial removal of the affected joint lining with the mass is the treatment of choice for localized pigmented villonodular synovitis today. Arthroscopy is commonly successful because recurrence rates of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis at the same site are very low.
Open Surgery
In patients with diffuse villonodular synovitis with both the front and back of the knee involved (most patients), open surgery rather than arthroscopy is often the best treatment. Your doctor will need to remove the mass and the entire joint lining to treat diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis.
Combined Arthroscopy and Open Surgery
When most of the mass is in the back of the knee, a combined surgical approach can be undertaken. The back the knee is treated with open surgery to remove the mass and joint lining, and the front of the knee is treated with arthroscopic removal of the joint lining. This combined method decreases the magnitude of surgery, allowing for an easier recovery.
The recurrence rate at the same site is higher in patients with diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis, but with proper surgical technique, the risk of recurrence can be minimized.
Total Joint Replacement
In its end stages, pigmented villonodular synovitis can cause extensive joint destruction. Once the joint has been significantly damaged, the best option to relieve pain and improve function is a total joint replacement.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can sometimes be used for patients with diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis that involves major nerve, tendon, or vascular structures or lesions that recur after surgery.
Radiation therapy is most commonly delivered via an external beam (treatment is directed from outside the skin to inside the joint). A newer method called intra-articular radiation (a radioactive fluid is injected into the joint with a needle) has been used as well.
Radiation therapy is usually reserved for patients in whom standard surgery has not been successful.
For more information, visit: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00506
Best Wishes,
Rosa
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