Plica Syndrome

Interesting this.....ages ago a physio once wondered if I had a plica problem and it came up again with my consultant. So, what is it?

"Often called "synovial plica syndrome," this is a condition that is the result of a remnant of fetal tissue in the knee. The synovial plica are membranes that separate the knee into compartments during fetal development. These plica normally diminish in size during the second trimester of fetal development. In adults, they exist as sleeves of tissue called "synovial folds," or plica. In some individuals, the synovial plica is more prominent and prone to irritation.The plica on the inner side of the knee, called the "medial plica," is the synovial tissue most prone to irritation and injury. When the knee is bent, the plica is exposed to direct injury, and it may also be injured in overuse syndromes. When the plica becomes irritated and inflamed, the condition called "plica syndrome" results."

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That really is very consistent with the medial problems I get (but not those directly above and below the patellar). Good news is that the best diagnosis (and treatment) is via arthroscopy) - which I am having, so it should get picked up. Of course by the time I've had the artoscopy itself, plus tendon decompression AND plica removal it could take a long time to get back on my feet....no point second guessing...just have to see what comes from the arthroscopy