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Medial Symptomatic Plica, Sports Medicine

Laura J. Murphy, DO and David E.J. Bazzo, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Plica is a Latin term meaning fold.

  • Medial plica syndrome is inflammation of the synovial lining forming an intra-articular band located over the medial aspect of the knee, resulting ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Complaint of anterior and medial knee pain just proximal to medial joint line

  • Pain is often unilateral.

  • Often exacerbated by activity, including running, squatting, and ascending or des...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Acute phase:

    • Rest to reduce repetitive flexion/extension of the knee.

    • Ice

    • Compression knee sleeves or braces may be helpful to reduce swelling.

    • Elevating the knee above the level...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Consider follow-up once monthly while patient is in recovery phase to evaluate for progress. 

PROGNOSIS

The majority of patients respond to conservative therapy and...

REFERENCES

1
Griffith CJ, LaPrade RF. Medial plica irritation: diagnosis and treatment. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med.  2008;1(1):53–60.
2
Patel DR, Villalobos A. Evaluation and management of knee pain...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Medial plica syndrome is suspected by the history of anterior knee pain after blunt trauma, twisting injury, or repetitive flexion/extension injury.

  • Diagnosis is clinical and only made ...

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