Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee: diagnostic challenge and arthroscopic treatment: a report of three cases

The localized form of pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVS) is a lesion characterized by focal involvement of the synovial membrane. The knee is the most commonly affected joint. We report three cases of LPVS of the knee which were not diagnosed upon clinical evaluation. The aim is to bring the attention of clinicians to this pathological entity, which is often regarded as extremely rare and is therefore not considered in the early differential diagnosis of various knee derangements. Diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy was performed. The lesions were completely resected and patohistological findings confirmed the diagnosis of LPVS. All of our three patients have remained asymptomatic at 8, 10, and 12-month follow-ups.