Pigmented Villo-Nodular Synovitis of Shoulder Joint Leading to Humeral Head Erosion

Abstract

Pigmented villo-nodular synovitis (PVNS), also known as giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath or benign synovial histiocytoma, is a benign yet locally aggressive tumor of the synovium that affects both the large joints and the tendon sheaths. The most common site for the tumor includes knees, hip, ankle, and wrist joints; shoulder joint being a very unusual site for the occurrence of this tumor. We present here an unusual case of diffuse PVNS of shoulder joint with eroded humerus head treated with surgical synovectomy and adjuvant radiosynovectomy to prevent recurrence. This case report highlights the natural history of this rare disease due to late presentation, difficulty in the diagnosis, and management of recurrence.