WhatsApp
(65) 8896 3604

Call Us
(65) 6836 6636

WhatsApp
(65) 8896 3604

Call Us
(65) 6836 6636

Medial Plica Syndrome

Inflamed Medial Plica 2The Medial Plica is a thin wall of fibrous tissue that are extensions of the synovial capsule of the knee.

During fetal development, the knee is divided into three separate compartments. As the fetus develops, these compartments develop into one large protective cavity (synovial membrane).

The majority of people have remnants of these three cavities referred to as a plica. Most often the plica is on the medial (inside) of the knee at the level of the medial femoral condyle. Most individuals are not adversely affected by the presence of plicas.

The plica only becomes a problem when the knee is irritated, causing an inflammation in the synovial sack. When the synovium is inflamed, the area of the plica becomes thicker. This thickened area then begins to catch on the femur as the knee moves. This in turn keeps the plica inflamed resulting in a vicious cycle.

Diagnosis

Patients usually complain of anterior and medial-sided knee pain. They may have associated flat feet as well.

Diagnosis is mainly physical examination of the knee showing tenderness at the medial plica during palpation (pressed). There may be associated patellar lateral maltracking in many patients.

Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

Decrease the inflammation by oral anti-inflammatory drugs.
Physiotherapy modalities e.g. iontophoresis (low intensity electric currents), phonophoresis (ultrasound) and ICE treatment may help.
Therapeutic exercises – on increasing overall quadriceps, hamstring, and calf strength, as well as increasing overall muscular flexibility.

Surgical Treatment

Keyhole arthroscopic excision of the medial plica may sometimes be necessary if conservative treatment fails.

This is how an inflamed medial plica looks like on arthroscopy:

Inflamed medial plica left knee

The inflamed medial plica can be removed using arthroscopy resulting in resolution of the knee pain.

Find out more about other related knee conditions and treatments from our sports orthopaedic knee doctor.

All Services and Treatments

ABOUT DR HC CHANG

Dr HC Chang

  • 16 years of experience in surgical and non-surgical procedures in sports injuries as a Sports Orthopaedic Specialist in Singapore.
  • Received multiple awards and accolades in the Orthopaedic field.
  • He is a USA Sports Medicine Fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon and is a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America as well as the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine.
  • Published many acclaimed articles on Sports Medicine. If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis to determine the severity of your injury and get proper treatment immediately.

 

Get in Touch

(65) 6836 6636

OR

Get Appointment

×
Fast Enquiry
close slider

    Consult Us Today

    First Consultation $200 (before GST) | Subsequent Consultation $120 (before GST)
    *Medications, Investigations & Treatments are charged separately.