I'm recovering now from my recent operation of both knees because of Plica/Plyca Syndrome. I'm so grateful because there’s no injury in my meniscus and ACL. The operation lasted around two hours including my stay in the recovery room. I was injected with anesthesia at the spine to make my hips down to my toes numb. The operation was successful but I had lie down flat for at least twelve hours. I can’t wait for my doctor to give me a go signal that at least sit down or lie sideways otherwise I would have bedsores for prolonged period of lying flat. After 24 hour of operation, it’s time to take out my catheter. Ouch! That was really painful huh…. The next day, I was released from the hospital and was advised that I should start walking and get my self a rehab program to make my legs strong again.
What is Plica/Plyca Syndrome?
Plica syndrome is an interesting problem that occurs when an otherwise normal structure in the knee becomes a source of knee pain due to injury or overuse. The diagnosiscan sometimes be difficult, but if this is the source of your knee pain, it can be easily treated.
How does a plica cause problems in the knee?
A plica causes problems when it is irritated. This can occur over a long period of time,such as when the plica is irritated by certain exercises, repetitive motions, or kneeling.Activities that repeatedly bend and straighten the knee, such as running, biking, or use of a stair-climbing machine, can irritate the medial plica and cause plica syndrome.Injury to the plica can also happen suddenly, such as when the knee is struck in the area around the medial plica. This can occur from a fall or even from hitting the knee on the dashboard during an automobile accident. This injury to the knee can cause the plica, and the synovial tissue around the plica, to swell and become painful. The initial injury may lead to scarring and thickening of the plica tissue later.
What does plica syndrome feel like?
The primary symptom caused by plica syndrome is pain. There may also be a snapping sensation along the inside of the knee as the knee is bent. This is due to the rubbing of the thickened plica over the round edge of the thighbone where it enters the joint. This usually causes the plica to be tender to the
touch. In thin people, the tissue that forms the plica may be actually be felt as a tender band underneath the skin. In rare cases where the plica has become severely irritated, the knee may become swollen.
