What is Plica Syndrome?

Plica syndrome is an impingement syndrome with pain on the inside of the kneecap. An oversized synovial fold becomes trapped between the kneecap and the femur. Due to the friction, cartilage damage can occur as a result.

Plica Syndrome Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a detailed description of the symptoms and a subsequent clinical examination. Often, an ultrasound examination or magnetic resonance therapy (MRI) is performed to identify a plica syndrome.

Plica Syndrome Therapy

In some cases, conservative therapy is sufficient to calm the inflamed plica tissue. Ice, compression and drug therapy can provide relief.

Surgery is only considered when conservative measures have been exhausted. The synovial fold is removed arthroscopically via 2 small skin incisions. The surgery has a very high success rate if the inflamed tissue is the cause of the pain.

Plica Syndrome Aftercare

Only a short course of physiotherapy is necessary postoperatively.

Dr. Mark Schurz