Knee joint synovial hemangioma treated with arthroscopic resection without hemarthrosis: A case report

Abstract

IntroductionIntra-articular synovial hemangioma of the knee is a relatively rare benign tumor that if left undiagnosed and treated may be followed by degenerative cartilaginous changes and osteoarthritis. However, the non-specific symptoms of synovial hemangiomas limit its early diagnosis. We report our encounter with synovial hemangioma of the knee in which the diagnosis was based on a > 20-year history of chronic pain without joint swelling or hematoma. Presentation of caseA 34-year-old man with a localized vascular malformation on the upper edge of the left patella presented with pain and a restricted range of motion. CT and MRI revealed a tumorous lesion at this location. Upon excision of the lesion, the patient's symptoms disappeared, with no recurrence at the 1-year follow-up. DiscussionAccurate diagnosis and appropriate early treatment are necessary for synovial hemangiomas to forestall articular cartilage degeneration due to recurrent intra-articular hemorrhages. ConclusionSynovial hemangioma should be considered when a patient presents with recurrent knee pain, even in the absence of swelling or episodes of joint effusion.