Abstract
Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (DPVS) rarely involve the shoulder joint. A 44-year-old man affected with DPVS in his right shoulder joint was treated successfully by open synovectomy followed by radiotherapy (RT). Before operation, he complained only of omalgia of the right side, and the joint was not restricted. A radiograph showed erosive change on the acromion and the greater tuberocity. Arthrograms and MRI showed a torn rotator cuff. We did not operate on the bone and rotator cuff, because the condition was asymptomatic and not severe.
RT has a risk of aggravating joint function. However, it is difficult to resect completely the synovium in DPVS, and the recurrence rate of DPVS is very high. As recurrence and/or multiple operations further damage the affected joint, we selected this moderately invasive procedure.
We found that with carefull technique, radiotherapy was useful in preserving function in the shoulder joint in this case.
