Synovial Plica Research Articles

관절경을 이용한 주관절 활막 추벽의 제거

Purpose: To report our experience with nine cases of pathologic synovial plica on radiohumeral joint which symptom of painful snapping elbow was improved by arthroscopic resection. Materials and Methods: Between 1999 and 2004, 43 cases of elbow arthroscopy were performed by one surgeon. Eight patients with nine cases showed pathologic synovial plica in conjunction with snapping or posterolateral elbow pain. The mean age of eight patients (man: 7, woman: 1) was 29 years (range years). All patients had a trial of conservative treatment at least six months (range months). The diagnosis was confirmed before surgery in six cases and at the time of surgery in three cases. Pain, snapping, and subjective results were evaluated at least 12 months in the average(range ). Results: All patients showed a hypertropic lateral synovial plica with local synovitis. Seven of them had an associated lesion of chondromalacia on radial head. One of them was associated with radiocapitellar arthritis and had a wrapping over the radial head. Six patients experienced improved posterolateral pain at the end of study (VAS

Traumatic knee extension deficit (the locked knee): can MRI reduce the need for arthroscopy?

In the present study we investigated the validity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy in knees with acute, traumatic extension deficit (the "locked knee"), and evaluated whether arthroscopy of knees with no mechanical pathology could be avoided by MRI evaluation. The study consisted of 50 patients who had an acute, traumatic extension deficit of the knee. All patients were submitted to MRI prior to arthroscopy. Following MRI and surgery, standardized forms were filled out, attempting to objectify the findings. The orthopaedic surgeon was not aware of the MRI result prior to surgery. Evaluating MRI, all grade-3 meniscal lesions were considered able to cause a mechanical block as well as acute partial or total anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-ruptures. ACL-ruptures with an old appearance were not considered able to cause locking. Assuming that arthroscopy was the gold standard, the following results were calculated for the overall appearance of a lesion able to cause locking: Positive predictive value = 0.85, negative predictive value = 0.77, sensitivity = 0.95, specificity = 0.53. Two knees were erroneously evaluated with no mechanical locking at MRI (one bucket-handle lesion and one pathological synovial plica). MRI of the knee with acute, traumatic extension deficit is in the acute or subacute phase a safe method to identify the patients that have a mechanical reason for locking and therefore can benefit from arthroscopic treatment.

Glomus tumor beneath the plica synovialis in the knee: A case report

Glomus tumors are rare benign tumors distinguished clinically by their small size and ability to cause extreme pain. These lesions are usually found beneath the fingernails. Atypical locations of the tumor are difficult to diagnose, especially when the lesion is situated in a deep anatomic structure. We describe a 33-year-old man with glomus tumor beneath the plica synovialis in the knee. He had experienced right knee pain for 10 years which increased with movements of the knee. There was a point of tenderness on palpation at the lateral aspect of the knee. CT scan with arthrography showed a small mass on the lateral femoral condyle in the joint space. It was seen retrospectively in MRI. Arthroscopy demonstrated the soft tissue mass beneath the plica synovialis. We made a separate incision and removed it completely. An immediate disappearance of the pain was observed after surgery. Histology was the glomus tumor of the vascular type. The tumor seemed to be stimulated by the plica synovitis or the lateral joint capsule and it caused pain on motion similar to meniscal tear. There has been no recurrence for 3 years after surgery.

PR_131: Intraplical Injection as a Diagnostic Aid in Medial Synovial Plica Syndrome: A Case Report

PR_131: Intraplical Injection as a Diagnostic Aid in Medial Synovial Plica Syndrome: A Case Report

The posterolateral plica: A cause of refractory lateral elbow pain

Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common upper extremity pain syndromes. We report the results of patients in whom conservative treatment was unsuccessful and who were finally treated arthroscopically for symptomatic plicae. Ten patients (mean age, 40 years [range, 18-60 years]) who were misdiagnosed as having lateral epicondylitis were included in this study. Examination revealed the site of maximal tenderness to be posterior to the lateral epicondyle and centered at the posterior radiocapitellar joint. Preoperatively, all patients received conservative treatment (physical therapy or corticosteroid injections [or both]). The mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 6-68 months). The mean score on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire was 9 (range, 0-37). Preoperatively, 7 patients had full elbow range of motion; however, in 3 patients, there was a loss of extension at the elbow ranging from 7 degrees to 20 degrees preoperatively. The range of elbow motion was full in all patients postoperatively. No patient demonstrated posterolateral pain after the operation. Synovial plicae of the elbow may be the cause of lateral elbow pain in patients with vague clinical symptoms. Arthroscopic management may provide a successful treatment option for such patients.

Arthroscopic Management of Loose Bodies and Synovial Lesions of the Elbow

The arthroscope is an excellent tool for diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular causes of elbow pain. With a precise understanding of the arthroscopic anatomy of the elbow, loose bodies associated with osteochondritis dissecans, synovial chondromatosis, fractures, and osteoarthritis can be located and safely removed. Synovial lesions caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, synovial plicae, synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, and hemophilia can also be managed with a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach using careful intraoperative techniques.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterolateral Elbow Impingement from Lateral Synovial Plicae in Throwing Athletes and Golfers

Background Although elbow pain is common in throwing athletes and golfers, posterolateral impingement from a hypertrophic synovial plica is a rare but possibly underdiagnosed condition. Purpose To evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic lateral elbow plicae in this athletic population. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Twelve patients, 9 male and 3 female, whose mean age was 21.6 years (range, 17-33 years), were reviewed. There were 7 baseball pitchers, 2 softball players, and 3 golfers. All patients had diagnosed isolated lateral elbow plica; none had lateral epicondylitis, instability, osteochondritis dissecans, arthritis, loose bodies, or nerve conditions. The mean time from onset of symptoms to treatment was 9.25 months (range, 3-24.5 months). At a mean follow-up of 33.8 months (range, 24-65.5 months), patients were evaluated with a questionnaire and examination, based on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons standardized elbow assessment and previously reported elbow outcome score. Results Posterolateral elbow pain was present in all patients. Fifty-eight percent (7 of 12 patients) complained of clicking or catching, whereas only 25% (3 of 12) experienced swelling or effusion. At elbow arthroscopy, a thickened synovial lateral plica was debrided in all cases. Ninety-two percent (11 of 12 patients) reported an excellent outcome with a mean elbow score of 92.5 points (maximum, 100 points). Return to competitive play averaged 4.8 months (range, 3-9.5 months). One patient with a fair outcome developed medial elbow instability that later required reconstructive surgery. Conclusion Posterolateral elbow impingement from hypertrophic synovial plicae can cause significant pain and disability in throwing athletes and golfers. With careful diagnosis and exclusion of other elbow problems, treatment with arthroscopic debridement and focused rehabilitation is highly successful and allows these athletes to return to their previous level of play.

A complete supra-patellar plica with an unusual presentation

A suprapatellar plica is a persistent remnant of the embryologic synovial membrane between the suprapatellar pouch and the knee joint. Pathologic synovial plica is not a common entity, however, when present, it can mimic a variety of clinical situations. We describe here a case of pathologic suprapatellar plica that has a check-valve mechanism, which results in a clinical presentation as knee joint swelling.

Clinical, radiological and arthroscopical aspects in nail patella syndrome: literature review based on an affected family

Nail patella syndrome (NPS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder affecting the nails, skeletal system, kidneys, and eyes. Skeletal features include absent or hypoplastic patellae, patella dislocations, elbow abnormalities, talipes and iliac horns on plain films. The existing literature focuses on clinical and radiographic findings in patients with NPS. We also report the case of a 40-year-old male patient and his family affected by NPS and includes clinical, radiographic as well as arthroscopic findings. Arthroscopic findings in this case are characterized by multiple synovial plicae in the knee joint leading to cartilage defects on the corresponding cartilage surfaces. A review of the recent literature suggests that the occurrence of synovial plicae might be related to NPS and might account for at least part of the characteristic symptoms of these patients. Therefore, in cases of unspecific knee pain associated with NPS arthroscopy of the knee joints and plicae resection seems to be recommendable.

Retinacular band excision improves outcome in treatment of plica syndrome

Mild symptoms usually continue after excision of the medial patellar plica. We noticed that the palpable tender cord, located on the anteromedial aspect of the knee in patients with plica syndrome, did not disappear completely after excision of the synovial fold. Beneath all plicae, a retinacular band was visible, and only after excisions of this band did the cord become impalpable. We conducted a study to determine the role of these medial retinacular bands in the symptomatology of the disorder. Twenty-four knees of 22 patients diagnosed with medial patellar plica syndrome were divided into two groups. In the first group, arthroscopic excision of the synovial plica was performed. In the second group, retinacular bands beneath the plica were additionally excised. When Lysholm scores were compared, we found that the second group showed significantly greater improvement. We believe that the retinacular bands play a role in the symptomatology and the pathophysiology of plica syndrome and that excision improves the outcome.

Synovial plicae of the knee

Synovial plicae represent inward folds of the synovial lining of the knee joint capsule, which are considered vestiges of a membranous knee joint partition present during foetal development. Three such folds are found with regularity in the human knee, but most are asymptomatic and of little clinical consequence. Plicae are more commonly seen in young adults, and can be an important cause of anterior knee pain, presenting with a plethora of symptoms. Most patients give a history of blunt trauma or an increase in repetitive sporting activities, but any form of chronic or transient synovitis can cause the plica to lose its elasticity by becoming inflamed and thickened. Such changes can affect suprapatellar and medial para-patellar plicae, which may bowstring and impinge in the patello-femoral joint during flexion, subsequently leading to localised chondromalacia. As the clinical picture is not well defined, a high degree of suspicion is required. MRI might be of value in the diagnostic assessment. The clinical diagnosis, however, is one of exclusion, and other more common pathologies relating to antero-medial knee pain should be considered first. Arthroscopy remains the gold standard for treatment of pathological plicae, although intraplical injection and physiotherapy might be beneficial in patients with a short history of symptoms. Complete excision is recommended and provides satisfactory results especially if the plica represents the only intra-articular pathology.

Anatomy of the tibiofibular syndesmosis and its clinical relevance.

The purpose of the present study was to describe the anatomical structure of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. Dissection of the tibiofibular syndesmosis was performed on 30 cadaveric specimens of the ankle in adults. The stability of the tibiofibular mortise is ensured by three ligaments. The interosseous tibiofibular ligament forms a spatial network of fibers of a pyramidal shape filled with fibrofatty tissue. The anterior tibiofibular ligament consists of three parts: the upper one is the shortest, the medial one is the strongest and the lower part is the longest and the thinnest. The posterior tibiofibular ligament is a strong, compact ligament the lower margin of which literally forms the articular labrum for the lateral ridge of the trochlea of the talus. The so-called inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament, as this part of the ligament is sometimes characterized, cannot be considered as a separate ligament. Direct contact between the distal tibia and the fibula was found in 23 cases. Contact facets which were covered with articular cartilage were very small and located in the anterior half of the tibiofibular contact line. In the posterior part of the tibiofibular contact line a vertical V-shaped synovial plica attached by its lateral aspect to the fibula dipped between the two bones. In seven cases where there was no direct contact between the two bones this plica extended anteriorly to the anterior tibiofibular ligament. The findings show that in three quarters of cases the connection of the distal tibia and fibula is not a mere syndesmosis but also a synovial joint. The presented facts change traditional opinions on the structure of the tibiofibular syndesmosis and they should be reflected in the treatment of dislocation-fractures of the ankle as well as in case of so-called anterolateral ankle impingement.

Synovial knee plica in newborn cadaver knee: a comparison between Anatomy and Arthro-TC

Fifty-two newborn knees were used to verify the validity of the arthro-TC of double contrast for the diagnosis of normal synovial plicas, aiming at classifying and verifying their quantitative incidence and ethnic distribution. The plica synovialis mediopatellaris was identified in brown (60%), white (40%) and black races (9%) in this study. The incidence in black people was quite low as compared to white and brown people. The most commonly found folds were the plica synovialis infrapatellaris (69%) followed by the plica synovialis suprapatellaris (44%) and plica synovialis mediopatellaris (31%). Plicas were not found in 6% of the knees. The communication of bursa patellares with the articulation of the knee is present at birth in 85% of newborns. Identification of plica synovialis infrapatellaris was difficult because it is covered by abundant fat tissue. Arthro-TC was studied and analyzed by six observers, three radiologists and three orthopedic surgeons. The results showed a medium sensibility of 72% and a medium specificity of 60% for radiologist versus 89% and 61% for orthopedist surgeons, respectively.

Medial synovial plica syndrome of the knee: a diagnostic pitfall in adolescent athletes

Medial synovial plica syndrome of the knee: a diagnostic pitfall in adolescent athletes

Medial synovial plica syndrome of the knee: a diagnostic pitfall in adolescent athletes

Medial plica syndrome is usually a rare cause of anterior knee pain, but in adolescent athletes it is more common. A prospective investigation of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of medial plica syndrome was carried out. Investigating the stress test for the diagnosis of medial plica syndrome, we used active extension as a kick test and flexion to test blocking of swinging of the shank. The aim of this investigation was to examine these two new tests. The tests we used improved the accuracy of the clinical examination and allowed diagnosis of the symptomatic medial plica.

Medial synovial plica syndrome of the knee: a diagnostic pitfall in adolescent athletes.

Medial plica syndrome is usually a rare cause of anterior knee pain, but in adolescent athletes it is more common. A prospective investigation of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of medial plica syndrome was carried out. Investigating the stress test for the diagnosis of medial plica syndrome, we used active extension as a kick test and flexion to test blocking of swinging of the shank. The aim of this investigation was to examine these two new tests. The tests we used improved the accuracy of the clinical examination and allowed diagnosis of the symptomatic medial plica.

Anatomy and MR imaging appearances of synovial plicae of the knee.

Synovial plicae are normal anatomic structures of the knee that sometimes become symptomatic. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography are useful tools in the evaluation of synovial plicae and allow differentiation of these entities from other causes of knee pain. At MR imaging, synovial plicae appear as bands of low signal intensity within the high-signal-intensity joint fluid. Gradient-echo T2-weighted and fat-suppressed T2-weighted or proton density-weighted MR images are optimal for the evaluation of plicae. Plica syndrome, the painful impairment of knee function in which the only finding that helps explain the symptoms is the presence of a thickened and fibrotic plica, should be included in the differential diagnosis of internal derangement of the knee. A diffusely thickened synovial plica, perhaps associated with synovitis or erosion of the articular cartilage of the patella or femoral condyle, in a patient with no other significant MR imaging findings suggests the diagnosis of plica syndrome. Once the diagnosis has been made, nonsurgical treatment is preferable initially. Failure of the patient to improve with conservative treatment leaves arthroscopic excision of the pathologic plica as the treatment of choice.

Sources of anterior knee pain

The anterior part of the knee consists mainly of structures belonging to the patellofemoral joint, which includes a variety of tissues, such as cartilage, subchondral bone, synovial plicae, infrapatellar fat pad, retinacula, capsule, and tendons. Each of these structures, alone or in combination, can be a source of anterior knee pain. Unphysiologic load or changed metabolic activities can lead to structural failure with loss of homeostatic conditions.

Mechanisms and effects of spinal high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust manipulation: Previous theories

Objectives: When the clinical efficacy of spinal manipulative treatment for spinal pain has been assessed, high-velocity low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT) manipulation and mobilization have been regarded as clinical interventions giving identical and equivalent biologic effects. The objective of this review is to critically discuss previous theories and research of spinal HVLAT manipulation, highlighting reported neurophysiologic effects that seem to be uniquely associated with cavitation of synovial fluid. Data Source: The biomedical literature was searched for research and reviews on spinal manipulation. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were used to help find relevant articles. Study Selection: All articles relevant to the objectives were selected. Data Extraction: All available data were used. Data Synthesis: The main hypotheses for lesions that respond to HVLAT manipulation were critically discussed: (1) release of entrapped synovial folds or plica, (2) relaxation of hypertonic muscle by sudden stretching, (3) disruption of articular or periarticular adhesions, and (4) unbuckling of motion segments that have undergone disproportionate displacements. Results: There appear to be 2 separate modes of action from zygapophyseal HVLAT manipulation. Intra-articular “mechanical” effects of zygapophyseal HVLAT manipulation seem to be absolutely separate from and irrelevant to the occurrence of reported “neurophysiologic” effects. Cavitation should not be an absolute requirement for the mechanical effects to occur but may be a reliable indicator for successful joint gapping. Conclusions: It is hoped that identification of these unique neurophysiologic effects will provide enough theoretical reason for HVLAT manipulation and mobilization to be assessed independently as individual clinical interventions. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002;25:251-262)

Arthroscopic assessment of human cartilage stiffness of the femoral condyles and the patella with a new tactile sensor

We measured the stiffness of the cartilage of the human femoral condyles via an ultrasonic tactile sensor under arthroscopic control. The stiffness and the degeneration of articular cartilage were assessed in 105 knees in 74 patients (39 men, 35 women, age: 9–72 years) who underwent arthroscopic observation or surgery. Twenty-five knees suffered from traumatic cartilage injury, 14 from osteochondritis dissecans, 13 from osteoarthritis, 11 from meniscal injury and six from ligamentous injury, bipartita patellae (three knees), and symptomatic plica synovialis (two knees). The degeneration of cartilage was classified according to Outerbridge’s grading system. The relationships between the stiffness and the grade of cartilage degeneration, and gender were analyzed. The stiffness of grade I (softening) and II (fissuring less than 0.5 inches in length) was significantly lower than that of intact cartilage. In contrast, the stiffness of grade IV (exposed subchondral bone) was significantly higher than that of any other group. The cartilage stiffness of the patella in women was significantly lower than that in men. The tactile sensor was useful for determining the intraoperative stiffness of healthy and diseased human cartilage in all grades.