Open posterior synovectomy for treatment of tenosynovial giant cell tumors of the knee

Abstract

Abstract

Objective:  Retrospective analysis of results from open posterior synovectomy for TGCT of knee joint

Material and method:     The surgery technique includes an approach to retrocondylar space with retraction of m. gastrocnemius, posterior capsulotomy and synovectomy with direct visual control. This approach allows protection of popliteal neurovascular bundle and total neoplasm removal. The study presents 13 cases from different age groups with treatment for 4 D-TGCT and 9-N-TGCT, which localization is in posterior knee compartment. Cases are from period June 2010-December 2024

Results:  Mean follow-up time in children is 13.67±1.53 months (min - 8 months) and in adults is 49.3±58.39 months (9 months-11 years). Range of motion had been fully restored for 3 months in 9 cases and for the rest - until 10^th postsurgical month. There are not any repeatable monoarthritis and neoplasm relapse in 90% of cases according to control MRI . There are 2 cases with marked relapse, followed by reopetarion because of incorrect planning of primary treatment. 

Conclusions:  : This surgical technique gives opportunity for fully removal of TGCT with intraarticular retrocondylar localization. Anatomical synovectomy is performed, while using direct visual control with opportunity for protection of poplitel artery and nerves, localized in popliteal fossa.