Medial synovial plica syndrome of the knee: a diagnostic pitfall in adolescent athletes

Irha, Ernest; Vrdoljak, Javor

doi:10.1097/01202412-200301000-00008

Cited by 1 publication

(4 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…The mechanisms that can lead to medial plica syndrome include direct trauma, blunt trauma, twisting injuries, repetitive flexion‐extension, overuse without adequate healing, or increased activity levels. Additionally, any mechanism that results in intra‐articular bleeding or synovitis may result in irritation of the plica (Broom and Fulkerson,1986; Dorchak et al,1991; Ewing,1993; Dupont,1997; Boles and Martin,2001; Irha and Vrdoljak,2003; Schindler,2004; O'Keefe,2009). Following irritation a normal inflammatory process occurs.…”

Section: Anatomy and Embryologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Irha and Vrdoljak (2003) described two diagnostic tests for medial plica syndrome. The first is the active extension test, where a quick extension of the tibia is performed such as in kicking a ball.…”

Section: Clinical Features and Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The test is positive when painful, caused by the abrupt tension on the plica from the quadriceps femoris muscle. The second test is the flexion test, where the tibia is quickly swung into flexion from a position of full extension, being stopped between 30 and 60° of flexion (Irha and Vrdoliak,2003). The test is again positive when painful, this time caused as the plica is stretched with eccentric contraction of the quadriceps muscle.…”

Section: Clinical Features and Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is important to note, however, that arthroscopy solely for the purpose of diagnosing medial plicae is not recommended, as the resultant scarring may cause further irritation of the plicae. Therefore, surgery is only recommended when other treatment strategies have failed (Jee et al,1998; Boles and Martin,2001; Irha and Vrdoljak,2003; Sznajderman et al,2009; Muse et al,2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Medial plica syndrome: A review of the literature

Bellary

Lynch²,

Housman

et al. 2012

Clinical Anatomy

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Knee pain is a very common complaint seen in the clinical setting. A torn medial meniscus, osteochondral defects, inflammation, or an irritated medial plica are some of the most common causes of medial knee pain. Plicae are synovial invaginations that are believed to be remnants of the embryological development of the knee. They have a potential to become inflamed and symptomatic. Diagnosis of medial plica syndrome involves physical exam and imaging studies, but the current gold standard is arthroscopy and therefore a definitive diagnosis cannot be made until surgery. As such, medial plicae are the most commonly missed diagnoses in the knee as it is purely a clinical diagnosis. Medial plica syndrome can be treated with physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. Overall, good outcomes have been seen following diagnosis and treatment of medial plica syndrome, with patients returning to their preferred levels of activity. This article reviews the topic of medial plica syndrome.

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