What type of swelling is associated with villonodular synovitis?

Villonodular synovitis is characterized primarily by synovial membrane proliferation, which leads to a distinctive type of swelling in the affected joint. This condition typically results from a reactive or inflammatory process that occurs within the synovium, often leading to synovial hypertrophy and the formation of nodular masses. The swelling associated with villonodular synovitis is thus best described as synovial swelling because it originates from the synovial tissue and involves the accumulation of abnormal synovial fluid and tissue growth within the joint capsule.

This emphasizes the nature of the condition as one that primarily affects the synovial lining rather than creating a generalized edematous response found in fluid swelling or the more solid mass characteristic of tumor swelling. Although hematoma swelling may present with swelling, it is usually due to bleeding and is not indicative of the underlying pathophysiology seen in villonodular synovitis.