Plica?

[okelfgirl]

My knee has been hurting for about 5 1/2 months. I went into the OS  last week and he said it was probably plica syndrome. He prescribed Naproxen as needed, but my knee really hurts and there has been no change whatsoever. In fact, my knee feels worse. I know its only been a few days, but I'm wondering how long it would be until I notice a difference.  He told me to come back in 4 wks if it still hurt  Is this something that will eventually just go away or am I stuck with it? Will other measures need to be taken?  I am just wanting to hear from someone who has dealt with this before.

[okelfgirl]

"A plica is a thin wall of fibrous tissue that are extensions of the synovial capsule of the knee. During fetal development, the knee is divided into three (3) separate compartments. As the fetus develops these compartments develop into one large protective cavity (synovial membrane). The majority of people have remnants of these three cavities referred to as a plica. Most often the plica is on the medial (inside) of the knee at the level of the medial femoral condyle. Most individuals are not adversely affected by the presence of plicas.

The plica only becomes a problem when the knee is irritated, causing an inflammation in the synovial sack. When the synovium is inflamed, the area of the plica becomes thicker. This thickened area then begins to catch on the femur as the knee moves. This in turn keeps the plica inflamed resulting in a viscous cycle."
Source: http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/LE/Knee/plica_syndrome.htm

I am supposed to go in on the 5th and  for the next week I'm to stay off of that leg as much as possible and ice it several times a day. I am not sure what he will say the next step will be, but I'm willing to do what it takes to get this to cease. Thank you for your help.

[slim76]

The surgery he wishes to perform is done on the outpatient level. You will be put under anesthesia for a period of time and be left to go home within about an hour. The next few days you should be on crutches and after that you will be walking fine (that is if you go to your physical therapy appointments and start moving the knee again right away.). If your pain is to the point that you lose sleep over it, then you should consider his advice and get the scope. The reason I think it is crucial to have an MRI is so that the Dr. can give you an accurate diagnosis. I am not very familiar w/ Plica syndrome. What does that mean?

[okelfgirl]

Its been 4 weeks  and my knee still hurts. The pain got a little better for a week, but then went back to hurting pretty bad. Its almost enough to keep me from sleeping. I am not sure if I want to go back in to the OS or not. Has anyone had this and just had go away on its own? I believe he will want to do a scope and I'm not sure how major a thing that is since I am about to head off to college. I would really like some advice. Tell me anything related to this.

[okelfgirl]

He said an MRI would do little good. I do have full range of motion in that knee. I really want to trust the doctor,so we'll see what happens in 4 wks.

[slim76]

I would say that you would probably do well to look in to some physical therapy for that knee. Did your doctor ask for an MRI? Do you have full range of motion? Naproxen is an anti inflamitory drug and would help to take some swelling down, but won't do much for extreme pain.