KNEE INJURY-RUNNING

Abstract

40 History: A 19 y/o collegiate cross-country runner with a 10K p.r. of 33:20 sustained a right knee injury while running a 1/2 marathon. During the event, at the 9 mile marker, he developed right anterior knee pain. He denied specific trauma and was able to complete the race with a time of 1 hour and 13 minutes. After the event there was no swelling, locking, or feeling of giving way. The pain was described as constant at the medial anterior knee and increased with activity. Medical attention was sought 3 weeks after the event because of an inability to return to running. Physical Exam: Inspection revealed no swelling or bony abnormalities. Patient had full AROM. There was a palpable medial band of tissue, which was tender at the medial femoral condyle in full extension. + patella grind test, − Lachman's, − McMurray's. Medial plica syndrome Medial meniscal tear Patellofemoral syndrome Chondromalacia Loose body Test and Results: Plain films: no fracture, dislocation, joint space narrowing or foreign body was seen. Patient stopped running for 3 months without improvement. Bone scan was -. MRI was interpreted as a full thickness articular cartilage defect at the medial facet of the patella, so the patient was prepped for arthroscopy and osteochondral allograft transplant (O.A.T.S.) procedure. Arthroscopic surgery demonstrated no full thickness hyaline cartilage defect but in fact showed a large inflamed medial plica abrading against the M.F.C. Final/working diagnosis: Medial plica syndrome Surgical excision of the inflamed medial plica. 6 weeks of physical therapy. Return to running 3 months post injury.