Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis presenting as a locked lateral meniscal bucket handle tear: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Pigmented villonodular synovitis involves proliferation of the synovium of joints, bursa, or tendon sheaths. It is a rare disorder that can occur in two forms. The diffuse form involves the entire synovium and occurs in the majority of cases. The localized form involves a discrete section of the synovium. The disorder almost always involves a single joint, and the knee is most commonly affected. The treatment of choice for the diffuse form is total synovectomy. Recurrence is common. The treatment of choice for the localized form is partial synovectomy. Recurrence is uncommon. We present a case report of a localized pigmented villonodular synovitis presenting as a locked lateral meniscal bucket handle tear in an otherwise healthy 27-year-old man.