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Snapping plicae associated with radiocapitellar chondromalacia
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Summary
Hypertrophic synovial folds in the radiocapitellar joint can cause painful snapping elbows. Arthroscopic surgery to remove these plicae effectively resolves symptoms in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Elbow Arthroscopy
Background:
- Painful snapping elbow is often misdiagnosed.
- Common causes include loose bodies, instability, or triceps dislocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hypertrophic synovial folds as a cause of snapping elbow.
- To evaluate arthroscopic treatment outcomes for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 14 patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for snapping elbow.
- Patients presented with snapping, often after trauma, with varied prior diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Arthroscopy revealed thickened synovial plicae snapping over the radial head, often with chondromalacia.
- Twelve of 14 patients achieved complete relief of snapping after plica excision.
Conclusions:
- Synovial plicae are a key consideration in snapping elbow diagnosis.
- Arthroscopy is effective for diagnosing and treating plica-induced snapping elbows.