The Use of Radiosynovectomy Using Yttrium-90 as an Adjunct to Mechanical Synovectomy for Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis: How Effective Is This?

Introduction Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) or giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath (GCTT) is a rare disorder involving the proliferation of the synovium in any joint; however, the knee, hip, and ankle joints are most commonly targeted. The aim of this study is to follow the short-term outcomes of the treatment of patients with PVNS of the knee managed by intra-articular injection of yttrium-90 or radiosynovectomy (RS) alone and a combination of RS and arthroscopic/open debulking synovectomy. Methods A cohort of eight knees from six patients was included in this study, including three knees treated with combined arthroscopic synovectomy and RS, and five knees treated with RS alone. Patients were asked to complete the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire before attending their three-month follow-up appointment. Their answers were collated and scores were calculated using the designated specific equation. Results Our results demonstrate that although patients in the combined arthroscopic synovectomy and RS arm possess on average higher pain scores and symptoms than those who underwent RS alone, the combined therapy had higher scores in activities of daily living (ADLs), sports and recreation (Sport-Rec), quality of life (QoL), and overall KOOS scores. Conclusion Neoadjuvant arthroscopic mechanical debridement is a safe and quick procedure with minimal side effects, with improved overall KOOS scores.