[Spinal locations of pigmented villonodular synovitis: case report and review of the literature].

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is rarely observed in the spine: less than thirty cases have been reported. We report a new case observed in the cervical spine and review the pertinent literature. The clinical and radiological presentation of these forms of villonodular synovitis is non-specific and similar to that if primary or secondary spinal tumors. Histology is indispensable for certain diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice but with a risk of recurrence to the order of 20%. Non-surgical treatments have not proven to be effective for spinal villonodular synovitis. Regular MRI surveillance is indicated. Spinal localizations may raise difficult technical problems in the event of recurrence.