What is plica syndrome?

A fold in the protective membrane of your knee joint. Everyone has four folds in every knee. On occasion, the middle plica in your knee gets irritated. This is known as plica syndrome, marked by swelling, pain, and instability.

What is medial plica syndrome?

Plica syndrome is also known as medial plica syndrome. This is because the involved plica is in the middle (medial) of the knee.

How is plica syndrome different from a torn meniscus?

Tears in the meniscus cause many of the same symptom’s plica syndrome exhibits. Yet the two are not the same disorder. The patient with a meniscal tear has pain and soreness along the joint line, whereas the plica syndrome patient tends to complain of pain at or above the joint line. Your diagnosis may be confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Who is plica syndrome for?

Plica syndrome is prevalent in athletes, particularly runners and cyclists. But it can also be caused by an injury from a fall, automobile accident or other trauma.

How does plica syndrome impact my body?

Individuals with plica syndrome tend to have knee pain and swelling in the affected area. There can also be clicking, popping or decreased range of motion.

Can an injury lead to plica syndrome?

Absolutely. Plica syndrome can develop following an accident, such as striking your knee against the dashboard during a car accident. It is also frequently seen in athletes who engage in running or cycling.

What are the symptoms of plica syndrome?

Individuals experiencing plica syndrome usually suffer from knee discomfort. Other frequent signs of plica syndrome include: 

• A knee that is swollen.
• A clicking or popping noise when you bend or straighten your knee.
• Pain that becomes worse when bending, squatting, or climbing stairs.
• A catching when standing after prolonged periods.
• Feeling unsteady on slopes and stairs.
• Having trouble sitting for long periods.
• Being able to feel the swollen plica when pushing on your knee cap.

What is the diagnosis for plica syndrome?

Your healthcare practitioner will start with a physical assessment. They will inquire about your symptoms and medical history. To eliminate other issues, like tendinitis or a torn meniscus, your healthcare practitioner might suggest X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What is the treatment for plica syndrome?

In many cases, plica syndrome can be managed with non-surgical treatments. These include:

• Rest: To encourage healing, avoid activities that caused your flare-up.
• Ice or cold compresses: Icing your knee decreases pain and swelling. Use a cold compress for 15 minutes every three hours.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium decrease inflammation and pain.
• Steroid injections: Your doctor might prescribe corticosteroid injections to relieve your knee pain.
• Strengthening exercises for your quadriceps: Individuals with weak quadriceps are more susceptible to plica syndrome. Strengthening exercises for your quadriceps can lower your risk.
• Stretching your hamstrings: If they are overly tight, they can put additional stress on the front of your knee. Hamstring stretches that loosen your hamstrings can assist.

If other treatments don't work, you might require a procedure known as arthroscopic resection. Your doctor makes a small cut in your knee and passes a small camera through it. Tiny surgical tools are passed through a second cut so the plica can be changed or taken out.

Are there complications after arthroscopic resection surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks of complications with arthroscopic resection. These can include:

• Damage to an artery.
• Damage to a nerve.
• Blood clots.
• Too much bleeding.
• Allergic reaction to anesthetic.
• Numbness where the incisions were made.

To help keep you from having complications when you get home after surgery, discuss your medical history with your doctor. You should also inform them of any medications or supplements you currently take.

How long does recovery from arthroscopic resection surgery last?

After resection surgery through arthroscopy, most individuals require six weeks to heal. Recovery may be longer based on the severity of your condition.

How do I avoid plica syndrome?

While you can't completely avoid plica syndrome, there are some steps you can take to decrease your risk. For instance:

• Don't overuse your knee joint.
• Listen to your level of comfort while adding new exercise regimens.
• Keep your legs, ankles and feet strong and mobile.

What is the prognosis for individuals with plica syndrome?

Plica syndrome is usually easy to treat with exercise and physical therapy. Even if you have surgery, the operation is less invasive than most other knee surgery.

When should I consult my healthcare provider?

If you have pain and swelling or lost the motion in your knee, call your healthcare provider to make an appointment. They can verify your diagnosis and create a treatment plan that's just right for you.

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