A mediopatellar plica is a flattened band of synovium (joint lining) inside the knee, left over from the embryological development of the knee.
Page updated December 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
A mediopatellar plica is the same as a medial plica, and runs down the knee on the medial side along the side of the femur, where it can sometimes be traumatised and thickened and become impinged between the femur and the patella.
Is a mediopatellar plica a normal structure?
A mediopatellar plica is a remnant of embryological development of the knee. It may be present in anyone, but not everybody has one. In most people who do have a mediopatellar plica there are no symptoms.
Peer-reviewed papers
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Quote:
"...to date, there is still no consensus on the best surgical procedure and rehabilitation program following MLKI [multiligament knee injury] surgery to avoid AF."
Citation: Fahlbusch H, Krivec L, Müller S, Reiter A, Frosch KH, Krause M. Arthrofibrosis is a common but poorly defined complication in multiligament knee injuries: a systematic review. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Aug;143(8):5117-5132. doi: 10.1007/s00402-022-04730-9. Epub 2022 Dec 15. PMID: 36520199; PMCID: PMC10374851.
Synonyms:
Medial plica
Medial shelf
Medial synovial plica
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