Arthroscopic Synovectomy for Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor/Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis in the Posterior Knee Using the Posterior Trans-Septal Portal Technique
Authors: Moran Jay , Miller Mark D. , Schneble Christopher A. , Yalcin Sercan , Katz Lee D. , Medvecky Michael J. 
Published: March 2022

Background:

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (T-GCT) and pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) are interchangeable terms for an uncommon benign proliferation of synovial tissue
1–6
. Although neoplastic and inflammatory origins have been hypothesized, the etiology of this condition is unknown. There is controversy regarding surgical treatment, as the open and arthroscopic approaches to synovectomy have shown comparable reported outcomes in the literature
5–7
. However, direct comparison of these 2 operative methods is problematic because of selective bias in the existing literature and the lack of any prospective, randomized controlled trials. In the posterior aspect of the knee, arthroscopic synovectomy is technically challenging because of anatomical blind spots when viewing this space from an anterior portal in a trans-notch fashion
10–15
. Additionally, incomplete arthroscopic synovectomies increase PVNS recurrence rates, making it imperative to remove the entire lesion
8
. The trans-septal portal (TSP) technique utilizes both posteromedial and posterolateral portals to create an intra-articular portal through the posterior septum that separates the 2 posterior compartments of the knee
10–15
. This portal allows working instruments to be passed back-and-forth across the posterior septum and increases the visualization of both the posterosuperior synovial lining of the condyles and the synovial reflection behind the posterior cruciate ligament, enabling a thorough assessment for arthroscopic PVNS resection
10–16
. In this video article, we describe a posterior arthroscopic synovectomy with use of a TSP for PVNS within the posterior compartment of the knee.

Description:

The patient is positioned such that the contralateral leg will not obstruct the ability to work in the posteromedial portal. Diagnostic arthroscopy is performed through standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals. Next, with visualization from the anterolateral portal and the knee in 90° of flexion, the posteromedial portal is created with use of a transilluminated spinal needle. The posterolateral portal is made in the same fashion as the posteromedial portal, with use of a trans-notch view from the anteromedial portal. With the arthroscope in the posteromedial portal, a blunt instrument or motorized shaver can be placed through the posterolateral portal to perforate the posterior septum and create the TSP. The mass can then be identified, biopsied, and removed with use of a motorized shaver or tissue grasper. Arthroscopic exploration through the TSP can then be done to confirm adequate excision.

Alternatives:

Alternatives include synovectomy either by arthrotomy, arthroscopy via a posteromedial or posterolateral portal with trans-notch views, or a combination of both. To limit the risk of recurrent diffuse PVNS, radiosynovectomy with yttrium-90 or phosphorus-32, either combined with surgery or alone, has been described
2,17
. External beam radiation has also been utilized, but radiation toxicity is seen as a major limitation
17
. Macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) or CSF-1 inhibitors have recently been developed. In 2019, the FDA approved the use of CSF-1 inhibitors, and they are considered an acceptable treatment for patients who are not candidates for surgical resection
17
.

Rationale:

Advantages involve increased posterior anatomy visualization to ensure adequate synovectomy, more working capacity for instruments, and decreased disruption of anatomical planes and scar tissue formation around neurovascular structures compared with open dissection
10–16
.

Expected Outcomes:

Excellent clinical results (defined by return to full knee function) have been reported for the TSP technique for PVNS synovectomy. In a study of 10 cases of posterior-knee PVNS masses removed via arthroscopic synovectomy with use of a TSP, Shekhar et al. reported good functional outcomes and no operative complications
2
. Keyhani et al. reported a series of 21 patients who underwent the same procedure for diffuse PVNS with similar findings
9
. Patients can expect to retain close to full knee function following this procedure
2,9
. Baseline magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for all patients at 3 to 6 months after excision, as asymptomatic recurrence can occur, and patients should be followed for a minimum of 2 years post-excision
2,3,7,9,18
.

Important Tips:

Keeping the knee in 90° of flexion provides the furthest distance from the saphenous vein on the medial side, the peroneal nerve on the lateral side, and the popliteal artery near the posterior septum when making the posterior portals
10–16
.

Transillumination of the posterior portals is recommended
10–16
.

Perforation of the septum should be in the posterolateral to posteromedial direction, allowing surgeons to have a wider “safe zone” to decrease the chance of vascular injury to the popliteal artery
14
.

Acronyms and Abbreviations:

CSF = colony-stimulating factor

MCL = medial collateral ligament

MRI = magnetic resonance imaging

PL = posterolateral

PM = posteromedial

PA = popliteal artery

ROM = range of motion

TS = trans-septal

IKDC = International Knee Documentation Committee