Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hallux

un unexpected surgical finding

Abstract

The pigmented villonodular synovitis is a proliferative pathology of the synovial tissue. It’s etiology is inespecific. At the time, a controversy exists with respect to its physiopathology as well as to its therapeutic approach. The clinical presentation shows no specific aspects and its diagnosis should be based on a careful correlation between the physical exam and the images. Its diagnosis is confirmed with histopathological studies. The pigmented villonodular synovitis is more frequently seen in the knee, followed by the hip. The metatarsolphalangeal involvement of the hallux is exotic. The reports in literature are infrequent. For this reason, we present our diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a patient who was initially seen as a symptomatic hallux valgus.