Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis. An indication for total hip replacement in the young patient.

Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip is a special problem because in this location it uniformly results in severe bony and cartilaginous destruction of the joint. In 2 cases treated by total hip replacement, both were successful at periods longer than 1 and 3 years follow-up with no evidence of recurrence of the disease, prosthetic failure, loosening, or any other complication despite the patients' young age and extremely active life styles. Continuous follow-up and frequent admonition about the wear erosion and recurrences of the synovitis is an essential part of the aftercare of these patients.