What is pigmented villonodular synovitis?
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (called PVNS for short) is a joint problem that usually affects the hip or knee. It can also occur in the shoulder, ankle, elbow, hand or foot. When you have PVNS, the lining of a joint becomes swollen and grows. This growth harms the bone around the joint. The lining also makes extra fluid that can cause swelling and make the joint hurt. Who gets PVNS and why? PVNS isn’t common. It usually affects people 20 to 45 years old, but it can also occur in children and people over 65 years old. It may happen slightly more often in men. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes PVNS. It doesn’t seem to run in families. It doesn’t seem to be caused by certain jobs or activities. Some people with PVNS remember that they hurt their joint at some time in the past. What are the symptoms of PVNS? If you have PVNS, you’ll notice swelling and stiffness in a joint, most often your knee. The joint may hurt. You may have a “popping” feeling when you move the joint. The sympt
