What is plica Synovialis?

The suprapatellar plica, also referred to as the plica synovialis suprapatellaris, superior plica, supramedial plica, medial suprapatellar plica or septum is a domed, crescent shaped septum that generally lies between the suprapatellar bursa and the tibiofemoral joint of the knee.

How do you treat medial plica irritation?

You’ll need to rest your knee for a while and put ice on it. Your doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory pain medicine, like ibuprofen or naproxen, and stretching your leg muscles, especially your quadriceps and hamstrings. Some exercises can help strengthen those muscles over time to keep the problem from coming back.

What is the Infrapatellar plica?

The infrapatellar plica, or ligamentum mucosum, is a vestigial remnant of the embryonic tissue and is typically not thought to be a source of clinical symptoms. The infrapatellar plica has a narrow femoral attachment in the intercondylar notch of the femur.

What is a plica excision?

Plica resection is an arthroscopic knee surgery that involves removing abnormal synovial tissue. Plica are natural folds in the knee joint synovium that can often times become painful and inflamed.

When does synovial plica syndrome occur in the knee?

Synovial plica syndrome (SPS) occurs in the knee, when an otherwise normal structure becomes a source of pain due to injury or overuse. Patients may present to general practitioners, physiotherapists, or surgeons with anterior knee pain with or without mechanical symptoms, and the diagnosis can sometimes be difficult.

Can a plica be the cause of knee pain?

The diagnosis might sometimes be difficult because the main symptom of non-specific anterior or anteromedial knee pain can point to various knee disorders. But if a plica has been diagnosed beyond any doubt as being the source of knee pain, it can be treated correctly.

What kind of surgery is needed for plica syndrome?

Surgery for plica syndrome will be carried out arthroscopically – key hole surgery. Small incisions are made around the knee joint and a fibre-optic camera is inserted into the knee so the surgeon can fully evaluate the joint. Small surgical tools are used to remove the inflamed plica, known as synovial plica resection.

Can a knee X-ray show knee plica syndrome?

Even though an X-ray can’t show knee plica syndrome, the doctor may want you to get one anyway to rule out other knee problems. Knee plica problems usually get better without surgery. You’ll need to rest your knee for a while and put ice on it.