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Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a condition that causes benign growths in the synovial membrane surrounding joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain. Diagnosis involves analyzing joint fluid and imaging studies. Treatment involves surgery or radiation therapy, but recurrence is common. It most commonly occurs in men aged 20-45 and can be difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to joint injuries. Joint replacement may be necessary in severe cases.
Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a condition that affects the synovial membrane that surrounds the joints. This condition is most commonly seen in the knee, although it can also arise in joints such as the hip and hands. The cause is not known; there does not appear to be a genetic component, and there are no obvious risk factors that could provide clues as to why some people develop pigmented villonodular synovitis.
In someone with this condition, benign growths appear in the synovial membrane. This leads to inflammation and swelling as fluid builds up. The joint may become stiff and difficult to move, and the patient often experiences pain in the joint. The swelling can start very quickly, which can complicate the diagnosis, as it can appear to be the result of a strain or sprain.
There are several diagnostic tools that can be used to identify pigmented villonodular synovitis. A sample of the fluid inside the joint can be analyzed, and the joint can also be examined in a medical imaging study such as an MRI. Palpation of the joint may also provide clues, as a mass may be present, indicating tumors on or around the joint.
In addition to limiting the range of motion in a joint and causing pain, pigmented villonodular synovitis can also eat into the surrounding bone, causing lesions. For this reason, it is necessary to treat the condition, preferably before lesions begin to form. Treatment involves surgery to remove part of the synovial membrane and the overgrowth, restoring the joint to a more normal condition. However, the recurrence after surgery is very high, almost 50%. For this reason, some doctors recommend using radiation therapy on the joint to address cells that are growing too rapidly, in hopes of preventing a return of the overgrowth.
This condition most commonly occurs in men between the ages of 20 and 45. Unfortunately, men in this age group are also at risk for joint injuries such as sprains that can complicate a diagnosis of pigmented villonodular synovitis because a doctor may not recognize this condition right away. it may take several months or even years to realize what is going on. If pigmented villonodular synovitis keeps coming back or has caused serious damage, a surgeon may recommend the placement of an artificial joint. Joint replacement is a more invasive and complex procedure and therefore is only recommended when it seems like a good option for the patient.
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