[Synovitis villonodosa pigmentosa of the foot--diagnosis, therapy and long-term course].

The typical clinical cause of articular pigmented villonodular synovitis consists of progressive and painful swelling of the involved joints, bursae and tendons. The roentgenographic manifestations of this condition are usually nonspecific and consist of occasional superficial osseous erosion and cystic changes. Although these appearances may suggest the correct diagnosis, the precise diagnosis depends on examination of the tissue. Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a non-malignant disease entity of controversial origin and nature. The intraarticular form is characteristically monoarticular and affects predominantly the knee, the hip and the foot. We present 15 cases of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the foot, treated in a period from 1960 to 1986. In 11 patients the clinical and radiographic results were reviewed at an average of 15 years (rage: 3-26). The treatment of 5 recurrences and the differential diagnosis are discussed.