THE ARTHROSCOPIC APPEARANCE OF LIPOMA ARBORESCENS OF THE KNEE

Lipoma arborescens is a rare intra-articular lesion consisting of a vi llous lipomatous proliferation of the synovial lining. This case repor t draws attention to the history, physical findings, and arthroscopic appearance of lipoma arborescens, a rare lesion of the synovial lining of the knee. Arthroscopically, the lesion appears as a synovial lesio n with numerous fatty-appearing globules and villous projections. In a ddition, magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable tool to differentiat e the lesion from rheumatoid arthritis, pigmented villonodular synovit is, and synovial chondromatosis in those patients who present with a c hronic, swollen, and painful joint.