Pathologic synovial plica of the knee

Abstract

Observations of 136 cases of pathologic synovial plica of the knee were analyzed with regard to etiology, symptoms, and the results of conservative treatment. The results obtained with conservative treatment were good in 40% of cases, average in 20%, and poor in 40%. In our opinion, these results justify the treatment of this condition with physical therapy before proceed ing with surgical correction. The objective of physical therapy was to decrease the compressive forces in the anterior compartment of the knee by increasing the structural flexibility of the flexor and extensor muscles. This increase in flexibility was obtained by instituting stretching exercises for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and quadriceps.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Aoki T., Takano Y., Kishimoto C. A case of internal derangement of the knee due to the so-called shelf. J Jap Orthop Assoc 39. 933, 1965

Blackburn TA , Eiland G., Bandy W. An introduction to the plica J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 3 171, 1982

Brody GA, Pavlav H., Warren RF, et al Plica synovialis infrapatellaris Arthrographic sign of antenor cruciate ligament disruption Am J Rheum 140 767, 1983

Caffinire JY , Bruch JM Pli sunovial interne et chondropathie rotulienne A propos de 13 cas opérés Rev Chir Orthop 67. 4799, 1981

Genovese GR, Jayson Miv, Dixon Asaj Protective value of synovial cysts in rheumatoid knees Ann Rheum Dis 31 197, 1972

Hardaker WT, Whipple TL, and Basset FH Diagnosis and treatment of the plica syndrome of the knee J Bone Joint Surg 62A: 221-225, 1980

Hohlbaum J. Die bursa suprapatellaris und ibre Beziehungen zum Kniegelenke Ein Beitrag zur Entwicklung der angeborenen Schleimbeutel Beitr Z Klin Chir 128 421, 1923

Hughston JC, Stone M., Andrews JR The suprapatellar plica Its role in internal derangement of the knee (abstract) . J Bone Joint Surg 55A 1318, 1973

Hughston JC, Walsh WM, Puddu G. Patellar Subluxation and Dislocation. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1984

10.

lino S. Normal arthroscopic findings of the knee joint in adult cadavers J Jap Orthop Assoc 14 1939

11.

Insall J. Current concepts review Patellar pain J Bone Joint Surg 64A 147-152,1982

12.

MØller H. Incarceratng mediopatellar synovial plica syndrome Acta Orthop Scand 52. 357-361, 1981

13.

Munzinger U. , Ruckstuhl J., Scherrer H., et al. Internal derangement of the knee joint due to pathologic synovial folds. The mediopatellar plica syndrome Clin Orthop 155 59-64, 1981

14.

Nottage WM, Sprague NF, Auerbach BJ, et al. The medial patellar plica syndrome Am J Sports Med 11: 211-214, 1983

15.

O Connor RL Arthroscopy Philadelphia, JB Lippincott , 1977

16.

Patel D. Arthoscopy of the plicae—synovial folds and their significance Am J Sports Med 6 217-225, 1978

17.

Pipkin G. Knee injuries The role of the suprapatellar plica and suprapatellar bursa in simulating internal derangements Clin Orthop 74 161-176, 1971

18.

Reid GD, Glasgow M., Gordon DA, et al. Pathological plicae of the knee mistaken for arthritis J Rheum 7 573, 1980

19.

Vilpeau C., Beguin J., Aubriot JH, et al Place du repli mediopatellaire dans la pathologie du genou Am Chir 35 325, 1981