“How can my son recover from Plica syndrome?”
My son heard a pop in his knee when playing soccer, and an MRI showed that he had Plica syndrome. He mentioned ice and rest will help it, but is there anything else we can do?
4 Answers
Knee plica is a common condition and usually not painful or the source of pain. Make sure other conditions have been ruled out. Rarely, arthroscopic surgery is needed and the plica can simply be excised.
Rest, ice and perhaps NSAIDS if he's over 12 years old. We usually do not like to inject knees in children. If 2-3 months go buy and there has been an honest, true effort to rest (no running), then a scope may be considered.
Hope it helps!
Dr. Bose
Hope it helps!
Dr. Bose
There is nothing else you likely need to do. Plicae are normal folds in the soft tissue in the knee. As long as there is truly nothing else wrong, he can play once he is pain free and has no swelling.
In addition to ice and rest, several days of ibuprofen dosed for his age may help. Then gradual return to activity and possible physical therapy can help recover function. Occasionally, a plica will require surgical resection arthroscopically, but simple measures should be pursed first.
Kevin Jon Lawson, MD
Kevin Jon Lawson, MD
