What is Plica Syndrome

Constellation of signs as well as symptoms that usually accompany as secondary ailment to the injuries or overuses of knee are called the Plica syndrome. While it is a normal structure otherwise, development of plica syndrome could become substantially painful for the sufferer.

Plica Syndrome Features

Plica syndrome occurrence always follows a pattern.

  • When the inflammatory process comes up, the normal tissues may take a pathologic structure;
  • It is therefore necessary for the treating physician to have an overview of the pertinent anatomy as well as the diagnosis and treatment of such syndrome of the knee;
  • In course of embryonic developments, the entire knee is divided by the synovial membranes;
  • On division; the knee is parted into three different compartments;
  • However; during the third and fourth month of development of the syndrome, the membranes in the knee are reassembled in result of which the knee becomes a single chamber again;
  • When the process remains incomplete, different types of affects would take place; and
  • Embryonic remnants that appear after the process are called the synovial plica.

Types of Synovial Plica

Broadly speaking there are four types of synovial plica.

  • Supra-patellar plica that divides the supra-patellar pouch from the rest part of the knee;
  • Medial-patellar plica that could very often develop into plica syndrome;
  • Lateral Synovial plica that is wider and thicker in comparison medial plica; and
  • Infra-patellar plica that is medically termed as the ligamentum mucosum and is the least symptomatic among all types of plica syndromes.

Plica Types Explained

Among different types of Plica syndromes, despite being the least symptomatic, infra-patellar plica is the most common among people. However, some of the experts claim that this type of plica will never result in plica syndrome. In this case the remnants are bell shaped and they originate in the intercondylar notch. Subsequently, as it spreads across the interior of the joint space, it grows in size and ultimately gets attached to the infra-patellar fat pad. Only significant affect of this type of plica is interference with visualization during arthroscopy.

Supra-Patellar Plica

In contrast the supra-patellar plica has the tendency of dividing the supra-patellar pouch from the rest of the knee. Some secondary symptoms might also occur at times. It could be complete or in form of porta that would partially separate the compartments. It commences proximal to the superior pole of patella but can also begin elsewhere as well.

Medial-patellar Plica and Synovial Plica

Two of the uncommon forms of plica are the medial-patellar plica and the lateral synovial plica. Among the two the former is most frequently cited as the reason of plica syndrome. Lying on the medial wall of knee joints, it goes town to the infra-patellar fat pad. That is why it is also called the shelf. Lateral synovial plica is the rarest of the lot and is not considered to be one of the major reasons for plica syndrome.

In any case; plica syndrome can be cause of constant irritation and pains for the sufferer.