What is knee plica?

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Last updated: June 4, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Research

Knee plica is a fold of synovial tissue in the knee joint that can cause pain and discomfort when it becomes inflamed, thickened, or irritated, and the most effective treatment approach is conservative measures, with surgery considered only when these measures fail, as supported by the most recent study 1.

Definition and Causes of Knee Plica

Knee plica, also known as synovial plica syndrome, is a condition where a fold of synovial tissue in the knee joint becomes a source of pain due to injury or overuse, as described in a study published in 2017 2. This condition can occur in anyone, but it is more common in adolescents and young adults. The exact cause of knee plica is not always clear, but it is often associated with overuse, direct trauma to the knee, or changes in activity levels that irritate the synovial tissue.

Symptoms of Knee Plica

The symptoms of knee plica include pain, clicking, catching sensations, and swelling, particularly with activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for long periods. These symptoms can be similar to those of meniscal injuries, as noted in a study published in 2021 1. The pain is usually located on the medial (inner) side of the knee, but it can also occur in other areas of the knee joint.

Treatment of Knee Plica

Treatment of knee plica typically begins with conservative measures, including:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee If these approaches do not provide relief after several weeks, a corticosteroid injection might be recommended, as suggested in a study published in 2014 3. Surgery to remove the problematic plica is generally considered only when conservative treatments fail. Arthroscopic resection of the synovial fold is a surgical option that has been shown to be effective in most cases, with good results reported in a study published in 2021 1.

Key Points to Consider

  • Knee plica is a common cause of anterior knee pain, especially in adolescents and young adults.
  • Conservative measures are usually effective in treating knee plica, with surgery considered only when these measures fail.
  • The most recent study 1 supports the use of conservative measures as the first line of treatment, with surgery reserved for cases where these measures are not effective.

References

Research

RESULTS OF TREATMENT OF PLICA SYNDROME OF THE KNEE.

Acta ortopedica brasileira, 2021

Research

'The Sneaky Plica' revisited: morphology, pathophysiology and treatment of synovial plicae of the knee.

Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA, 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.