Retrospective review of 81 cases of PVNS and giant-cell tumor of the tendon sheath at the Hospital for Special Surgery (1970–1981), characterizing clinical presentation, radiographic findings, histology, and recurrence by anatomical site, and addressing whether PVNS is a reactive or neoplastic process.
When you encounter a slow-growing, monoarticular soft-tissue mass — especially around the fingers or knee in a middle-aged woman — include PVNS in the differential even if the patient is minimally symptomatic; over a quarter will recur after excision, so complete nodule removal and counseling about long-term follow-up are essential.
The finding that most major-joint lesions are nodular rather than truly diffuse supports targeting complete excision of discrete nodules over routine total synovectomy, which carries its own risk of postoperative stiffness.
Retrospective review of 81 cases of PVNS and giant-cell tumor of the tendon sheath at the Hospital for Special Surgery (1970–1981), characterizing clinical presentation, radiographic findings, histology, and recurrence by anatomical site, and addressing whether PVNS is a reactive or neoplastic process.
When you encounter a slow-growing, monoarticular soft-tissue mass — especially around the fingers or knee in a middle-aged woman — include PVNS in the differential even if the patient is minimally symptomatic; over a quarter will recur after excision, so complete nodule removal and counseling about long-term follow-up are essential.
The finding that most major-joint lesions are nodular rather than truly diffuse supports targeting complete excision of discrete nodules over routine total synovectomy, which carries its own risk of postoperative stiffness.