Synovial lipoma of knee joint in an adolescent female: a rare case report

Abstract

Background: Synovial lipoma is a rare entity and needs high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis. It is a condition that needs early intervention to prevent progressive joint effusion and degeneration. Case Presentation: This case report describes an adolescent patient with a rare unilateral presentation of synovial lipoma. A 17-year-old female presented with pain and swelling in her left knee from past 2 years. X-ray findings of left knee showed a soft tissue shadow. Left knee synovectomy was performed due to progression of disease. Grossly a single, yellowish, fatty soft tissue piece was received. Histologically, lesion chiefly consists of proliferating mature fat infiltrating the hypertrophic synovial villi. Conclusion: Based on histopathological findings, a diagnosis of synovial lipoma was established. In given clinical scenario, synovial lipoma may be included in differential diagnosis of refractory chronic joint effusion and knee pain with otherwise negative workup.