Q: I am a high school cross-country runner and was recently diagnosed with a "plica band" in my left knee. What is this and can I continue to run?
A: There are 4 different "plica bands". The classic presentation that we often see with a "symptomatic synovial plica" or plica band is anteromedial (inner knee pain) pain with running or other activities requiring repetitive flexion and extension of the knee. This syndrome is more common in teenagers. Symptoms include snapping, buckling, and pain with prolonged sitting. Most individuals do not experience locking or recurrent swelling of the knee.
Most patients will respond well to conservative therapy designed to decrease inflammation. This may include physical therapy modalities such as phonophoresis and iontophoresis or intraplical steroid injection. However, there are those who have had the plica longer. These chronic conditions often lead to fibrosis, which may need arthroscopic resection via an orthopedic surgeon. Removal of the plica band via arthroscopic laser sugery can affect the way the knee cap tracks within the knee groove.
Most individuals with plica bands will respond to conservative treatments and be able to resume running.
Dr. Greg Coppola
Greg has run more than 10,000 miles and cared for thousands of athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.
