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The plica syndrome: diagnostic value of MRI with arthroscopic correlation
1Department of Radiology, Catholic University Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
Purpose:
Our goal was to evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI in plica syndrome.
Method:
MR images of a patient group (n = 55) with arthroscopically confirmed pathologic mediopatellar plicae were retrospectively analyzed and compared with those of a control group (n = 100). We obtained axial multiplanar gradient-recalled (MPGR), axial T1-weighted, and sagittal T2-weighted MR images. MR images were assessed for the width and length of all medial plicae.
Results:
In the diagnosis of plica syndrome, sensitivity and specificity were 73 and 78% on axial MPGR images, 71 and 83% on sagittal T2-weighted images, and 95 and 72% on combination of both images, respectively. The incidence of pathologic medial plica increased with a criterion of extension beyond the medial end of the patella on axial MPGR images.
Conclusion:
MRI is a useful screening method in the diagnosis of plica syndrome.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for diagnosing plica syndrome. This study found MRI effective in identifying medial plicae, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic imaging
- Diagnostic radiology
Background:
- Plica syndrome, characterized by inflammation of synovial folds, can cause knee pain.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for plica syndrome.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different MRI sequences in detecting medial plicae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MR images from 55 patients with confirmed plica syndrome and 100 controls.
- Acquisition of axial multiplanar gradient-recalled (MPGR), axial T1-weighted, and sagittal T2-weighted MR images.
- Assessment of medial plica width and length on MR images.
Main Results:
- Sensitivity and specificity for plica syndrome diagnosis were 73% and 78% (axial MPGR), 71% and 83% (sagittal T2-weighted), and 95% and 72% (combined sequences).
- Pathologic medial plica incidence increased with extension beyond the patella's medial end on axial MPGR images.
Conclusions:
- MRI demonstrates significant diagnostic value for plica syndrome.
- Combining MRI sequences enhances diagnostic accuracy for medial plicae.