The plica syndrome: a new perspective.

The symptomatic medial patellar plica is a definite but uncommon pathologic entity. Even after complete excision of an inflamed, thickened plica, mild symptoms may persist despite considerable improvement. The plica syndrome may, in some cases, be part of a broader problem, possibly involving aberrant patellofemoral mechanics. Continued critical analysis of the disorder and the treatment results is necessary to clarify the syndrome further, but excision of a thickened, inflamed plica appears to be very helpful in most patients.