Synovial plicae of the knee - Controversies and review

Synovial folds, or plicae, of the knee are normal remnants of its embryology. Their variations are mostly congenital. The superior, inferior, and rare lateral plicae are exceptionally symptomatic. Under circumstances such as overuse the medial plica can become symptomatic and induce mechanical disorders in which pain is the chief complaint. If conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic resection is indicated; it provides good results if the diagnosis is correct. Medial plica resection represents no more than 3% of knee arthroscopic procedures. Confusions and failures can arise from associated pathologies, such as patellar maltracking and chondromalacia.