The pathological plica in the knee. Results after arthroscopic resection

Fifty-three consecutive patients were treated for a symptomatic plica mediopatellaris of the knee joint with arthroscopic resection of the plica. Forty-six patients were followed up 43 months after the operation. Preoperatively, 40% of the patients had anterior knee pain on exertion, and 60% had mechanical symptoms. The symptoms were preceded by a knee trauma in 50% of the patients. The overall results after arthroscopic resection were satisfying, with 80% excellent or good results according to the Lysholm score, and 59% of the patients were completely free of symptoms. The presence of chondromalacia of the patella or femoral condyles or malalignment of the patella did not worsen the results. It is concluded that arthroscopic resection of a pathological plica mediopatellaris generally gives good results, even if other pathology of the knee joint is present.