An intraarticular fibroma of the tendon sheath in the knee joint

Abstract

Fibromas that usually occur in the tendon sheaths of the wrist and hand are extremely rare in intra-articular locations. Only five such cases in the knee joint have been reported so far. This is a case report of an intra-articular fibroma of the tendon sheath of the knee joint arising adjacent to posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined intra-articular lesion in the region of the intercondylar notch of the femur behind the PCL. The mass was excised by arthrotomy. Histopathological study confirmed the diagnosis.

Intra-Articular Fibroma of Tendon Sheath in a Knee Joint Associated with Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

“…Furthermore, the intra-articular location is less common. To our knowledge, only 7 cases of intra-articular FTS in the knee joint have been reported ( 6 , 7 , 9 ). However, among cases of intra-articular FTS, the knee joint is the most common location ( 7 , 9 ).…”

“…FTS usually presents as a solitary, painless tumor that may later irritate the surrounding tissue ( 10 ). Intra-articular FTS usually present with symptoms of fullness or mechanical symptoms ( 7 , 9 , 11 , 12 ). In the knee joint, 71% of lesion present with pain or discomfort and 31% present with palpable masses ( 9 ).…”

“…Fibroma of tendon sheath typically show a smooth, well-circumscribed, lobulated architecture. FTS has been described as a fibrotic neoplasm or a reactive fibrosis, but its precise origin is still unclear ( 7 , 11 ). Microscopically, the mass is composed of scattered, spindle shaped fibroblasts or myofibroblasts within a dense fibrocollageneous stroma and frequently bears dilated or slit-like vascular channels ( 8 , 13 , 14 ).…”

“…A fibroma of tendon sheath (FTS) is an uncommon benign, painless, slowly growing tumor that usually occurs in the tendon or tendon sheaths of the distal upper extremity (wrist and hand). An intra-articular location arising in the knee joint is extremely rare ( 6 , 7 ). Intra-articular involvement with FTS may irritate the surrounding soft tissue ( 7 ).…”

“…An intra-articular location arising in the knee joint is extremely rare ( 6 , 7 ). Intra-articular involvement with FTS may irritate the surrounding soft tissue ( 7 ).…”