Morphophysiopathology of synovial plica from knee joint: a literature review

ABSTRACT

Synovial plicae around the knees are a relatively common occurrence. They have been the object of many clinical and anatomical researches, not only because of their intra-articular existence, but also for their painful symptomatology caused on knee joint. These plicae are excessive folds of synovial membrane and are remnants from embryonic septum, which were not properly absorbed during fetal development. These synovial plicae are divided anatomically, as location and existence, and are classified into suprapatellar, infrapatellar, medial patellar and lateral patellar plicae; being still each of these subdivided according to their appearance and juxtaposition. Material and methods: A retrospective literature review selected articles in PubMed and MEDLINE databases; papers were searched using the keywords synovial plicae, knee, embryology, anatomy, histology and treatment. Results: In this literature review was verified the incidence about the types, shape, location, symptoms, pathophysiology, and the main methods of study for the verification of synovial plica and treatments. Conclusion: In summary, asymptomatic plica can become symptomatic due to a bucket‑handle tear following a twisting injury and lateral traction to the knee, when carefully diagnosed; a synovial plica represents a potential cause of pain in patients. After careful examination, arthroscopic resection of the bucket‑handle portion of the plica is sufficient for the improvement of the symptoms if conservative treatment of pathological plica fail.