Diagnosis and treatment of the plica syndrome of the knee.

Seventy-three knees with a symptomatic plica were managed using both conservative and operative methods. Twelve patients were successfully treated conservatively. Fifty-seven patients (sixty-one knees) underwent arthrotomy and partial synovectomy or a release of the plica through the operating arthroscope, and all but two returned to full activity. The results were considered excellent or good after an average follow-up of nineteen months.