Question - Plica Syndrome

Three years ago I hyperextended my knee. I was a competitive gymnast and played soccer for my school, but have had to stop both because of my knee. Because I was in the middle of both seasons, I did not take any time off.

A year later when my knee was still hurting, I was told that I had plica syndrome and it would stop hurting with some pt. A year after that, the pt still had not done anything to help so I had arthroscopic surgery to remove the plica.

It has been a year since the surgery and my knee still hurts. It hurts to run or do any type of exercise, to walk down stairs, when I sit for long periods of time, and sometimes even to just walk.

I went back to the surgeon and he said there was nothing else he could do to help me. I talked to a family friend who is an orthopedist and she recommended a brace, which I have been wearing now when I exercise for three months, but nothing is helping.

Do I have any other options or do I just live with the pain?

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Question - Plica Syndrome

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Dec 10, 2008
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plica
by: Bart - SII

Did your rehab include any activities that worked specifically on your hip mobility and strength? Many times even once the plica is removed, the abnormal stresses that were causing the plica irritation are still there, so now they are irritating the other soft tissues of the knee - a form of patella femoral syndrome.

If your rehab didn't do any exercises specific to the hips, then that may be a missing key to your recovery.

Other things to consider are the biomechanics of your feet, and mobility and flexibility (although I doubt flexibility is a problem given your gymnastics past)

There are some example hip exercises on the site under the rehab section that may help.

Bart

Dec 10, 2008
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more
by: Anonymous

The therapy was completely focused on core, hip and leg strengthening.

Dec 18, 2008
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good luck with Pt
by: Anonymous

My daughter had her Plica removed 10/21/08, and she has done PT 3x a week since. She has been able to go back to karate, but her spring soccer is a question. What we found is to do slow stretches several times a day, plus the PT exercises. We have been using ice, but have stopped that in the last week. I do wonder and you may know....but since she has the plice issue in the left knee, what are the chances she starts haveing a problem in the right? Its starting to hurt, so I am hoping thats not the problem. Best wishes....

Dec 31, 2008
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plica surgery
by: mike

I too had my plica removed. The surgery report also says "did further synovectomy" twice after removing plica and checking the everything else (meniscus, ligaments- which all were fine). I'm 7 wks. post surgery and still limp because. I thought a scope was going to be simple because I had no tears and the cartilage was fine, but this is turning into a nightmare. They never gave me info that I could be off work months and months. I wouldn't have done it. Now I'm wondering if my knee will ever be even as good as it was before the surgery. Maybe it's just takes months to heal all the synovial tissue he excised.

Dec 31, 2008
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plica
by: Anonymous

I know exactly what you mean. It has been a year sicne I had arthroscopic surgery to remove plica in my knee and I still cannot do most of the things I could before the surgery. The doctor said that the surgery would take me back to 100% and I still cannot run or play sports without my knee hurting. Does anyone know of any other treatments for plica, post-surgery?

Mar 12, 2009
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same problem
by: nhlgrl4life88@aol.com

im going back this week to another ortho dr for a second opion. i had surgery on my plica about 2 and a half years ago did therapy after and all and within id say the past year are having problems with the knee again pain a creeking sound in the knee numbness on the outerside of the knee. im in the same boat any strenuous activity kills the knee yet my dr said id be better then befor when he did the surgery..

Mar 13, 2009
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plica
by: Anonymous

Sorry to hear everyone is still having pain. My daughter surgery was 10/21/08 and she has been able to basically go back to regular schedule. Running causes a little stiffness, but no pain. But now her right knee is doing the same thing as the left. We are considering surgery.

May 02, 2009
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same problem
by: pain still

I HAD ARTHROSCOPY LAST MARCH AND LAST DECEMBER ON THE SAME KNEE....AFTER THE SECOND ONE THE MD SAID THAT HE CUT CARTILAGE ON BOTH SIDES....WELL I AM A NURSE AND LOOKED UP THE PROCEDURE AFTER THE SECOND ONE AND IT SAID THAT HE REMOVED THE PLICA WHICH SUPPOSIVELY HE REMOVED THE FIRST TIME...SO THIS MEANS THAT EITHER HE DIDN'T OR IT GROWS BACK WHICH MAY BE WHY WE ALL STILL HAVE PAIN AFTER THIS SURGERY...AM JUST AS FRUSTRATED AS ALL OF YOU AND YET AM GLAD THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS PAIN(WAS BEGINNING TO THINK I WAS CRAZY)...ANYWAY, AM GONNA GIVE IT AWHILE BEFORE THINKING ABOUT LOOKING FOR ANOTHER MD.....EXTREMELY TIRED OF THE PAIN BUT ALSO AM EXTREMELY TIRED OF COMPLAINING ABOUT IT..SO IN THE MEAN TIME AM JUST LIVING WITH THE PAIN!!! GOOD LUCK ALL

May 24, 2009
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Had the surgery
by:

I had the surgery in September of 04 and my knee is still not the same. I have constant problems with inflammation... I went back to the ortho that did the surgery and there really is nothing that can be done. I just ice and use Ibprofin and rest my knee when needed. Glad to know that I am n ot the only one with this problem

May 26, 2009
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7 years and counting
by: Anonymous

My daughter was injured at work in 2001 with a blow to her right knee which set off the plica pain - misdiagnosed as patellar tendonitis for over 4 years. After a year and a half the left knee also became inflamed which further baffled the doctors. Several doctors (she went to 7) could see nothing on the x-rays or the 2 MRIs that were taken. After 2 doctors said the pain was in her head I took her to Marshfield Diagnostic Clinic in Marshfield, WI where they finally did athroscoptic surgery found the plica and removed it. A month later she had the left knee done. That was in 2004. She still has substancial knee pain and is on many pain medications. She has been "kicked out of physical therapy 3 times because they tell her she needs to get the pain in control before they can work with her which makes no sense to me. I know hers is a rare case but it's nice to know she really isn't crazy...that others have substancial pain after the removal of the plica. Thanks for listening.

May 28, 2009
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Knee Pain after Plica Removal
by: Anonymous

I had plica removal done 8 years ago after a blow to the knee. I have had pain on and off since, but nothing that I couldn't live with until recently when I strained my leg running with my dog. The pain was like dejavu. My doc gave me a cotisone shot yesterday which did alleviate the pain in my knee and improve my range of motion. I am scheduled for an MRI. The doc says that the plica tissue does not regenrate so it seems so weird that we all the same complaint.
Also, in the past 3 years my knee has popped out of the socket 2 times. Excruciating!! My knee always feels like it is on the verge of doing that latley. Curious to see what the find in MRI.

Jun 05, 2009
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PAIN 2
by: Anonymous

i am scheduled to have a arthoscope go in my knee and look around to see if their is anything they can do! I've do pt for 2 years and nothing has healped! i have excrutiating pain at times when i cant walk, climb stairs, or sit for long periods of times. the surgeon said he mite do a lateral release but if that doesnt help it, then i have to go to a therepist. To learn how to "DEAL" with the pain. there is no way on this earth that i am going to deal with all this pain!!!! hope everything works out with u!! :/

Jun 22, 2009
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PLICA SYNDROME
by: CJA

I had Plica removed 18 days ago by Dr. Zelicof in New Rochelle, NY. I guess I am one of the fortunate few as I was back to work in 4 days. The pain I had prior to the surgery has gone. The only pain I have left is more of a stiffness or soreness from the actual procedure. The knee that was scoped is now my good knee.

Jul 13, 2009
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plica recovery
by: Deborah

Thank You every one for the above comments. I had knee surgery on my right knee 6 weeks ago. I was told Plica was removed and the back of my knee cap smoothed. I am still in pain - sometimes a dull throb and other times a sharp intense pain. I saw the consultant after 4 weeks who told me my knee was still inflamed and wait. I was told to stay off work 2 weeks (my work told me I should not have even been signed off for an Anthroscopy) and it is now six weeks and the pain is the same as it was at the two week stage. I have felt really down by the pain and also silly and weak to not have recovered so thank you every one who has typed above. I now know I am not alone. Did anyone have the same pain they had before? I still have clicks in my knee and clicking to the right of my shin bone below my knee which causes more pain than my knee (this was the original pain the surgery was for) I am told my cartilege and ligaments are in good shape

Jul 13, 2009
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7 Years and Counting
by: Anonymous

I'm sorry to hear about your tough situation. And in answer to your question... Yes, I too have cracking and clicking in my knees. So, you are not alone in that respect. I am going down to San Antonio, TX in August. I live in WI now and I know that warmer weather and drier makes my knees feel much better. Why? I have no idea but it does. So, in all probability I'll be making a permanent move down there. I'll let everyone know if it helps! And I hope you find some relief in the meantime. If you're near an Advanced Pain Management... alls I can say is my Dr. there is terific. And I've been to MANY pain management Dr.'s until I found him.

Aug 09, 2009
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still hurting
by: Anonymous

i think it is ridiculous that so many people are having the same problem. obviously the surgery does not work but they still recommend and perform it on many people for many different injuries.

i had the surgery almost three years ago after two years of physical therapy. since the surgery, the ortho said there was nothing more he could do so i got a second opinion from a womens hip and knee specialist. she sent me for more pt and massage therapy, which did help some.

i am now continuing with physical therapy, massage therapy, seeing a chiropractor, and just got a steroid shot, but its still not getting any better.

my knee is worse than before the surgery and i am really regretting ever having it. i have lost my range of motion and a great deal of strength, and as a college athlete this is really a problem for me. i do not have time or the patience for this anymore and am just looking for something to stop the pain!

if so many people have this problem, how can doctors not know how to fix it?

Aug 10, 2009
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re- still hurting
by: deborah

I agree - it obviously doesn't work and I am regretting having the surgery. I have been for physiotherapy now and was told my knee is still inflamed with fluid above it almost ten weeks since surgery. They also believe the fibres that hold the shin muscle to the shin bone have come away from the bone. I have to ice my knee three times a day and ride a bike to build muscle, this causes me the same pain I had before surgery. I did not know I was going to have plica removed and had I known I would have researched it and not had it done.

Aug 17, 2009
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my story
by: Anonymous

I have my plica removed 10 weeks ago, only to develop a DVT (blood clot) in my calf. I feel like the doctors are lying to me...I hurt my knee at work, got a cortisone shot, but it only worked for a couple of days.I limped on it for 3 mos. before they finally did the surgery. PT seems to help for a day or two, but when i go 3 or 4 days between appts. it hurts as much as before the surgery...starting to wish i never had this done.
My mom told me that before a surgery like this the doctor is supposed to test your blood for stuff like that, so they can decide if you need to take blood thinner before the surgery...so my question to those of you that would know would be IS THAT TRUE?

Aug 17, 2009
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7 years and counting
by: Anonymous

I found this on one web site:
Causes of DVT
You are more likely to get a DVT if you:
1. are over 40
2. are immobile, for example, if you have had an operation (especially on a hip or knee) or are travelling for long distances - and so are not able to move your legs
3. have had a blood clot in a vein before
4. have a family history of blood clots in veins
5. have a condition causing your blood to clot more easily (this is called thrombophilia)
6. are very overweight (obese)
7. have cancer or have had cancer treatment
8. have heart disease or circulation problems
9. are a woman taking a contraception pill that contains oestrogen, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
10. are pregnant or have recently had a baby

If you're having surgery
Surgery and some medical treatments can increase your risk of developing DVT. So, if you're going to hospital for an operation, you will usually have an assessment to check your risk of developing DVT before you have your operation. There are many things that can be done to keep your risk of developing DVT during surgery as low as possible. You may be given anticoagulant medicines before and after surgery, or be asked to wear compression stockings. You may also be given a mechanical pump to use on your feet and legs in the first few days after the operation. This is called an intermittent compression device. The pump automatically squeezes your feet and lower legs to help your blood circulate.
Hope this helped.

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Aug 17, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Comment
I found this on one web site: Causes of DVT You are more likely to get a DVT if you: 1. are over 40 2. are immobile, for example, if you have had an operation (especially on a hip or knee) or are travelling for long distances - and so are not able to move your legs 3. have had a blood clot in a vein before 4. have a family history of blood clots in veins 5. have a condition causing your blood to clot more easily (this is called thrombophilia) 6. are very overweight (obese) 7. have cancer or have had cancer treatment 8. have heart disease or circulation problems 9. are a woman taking a contraception pill that contains oestrogen, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) 10. are pregnant or have recently had a baby If you're having surgery Surgery and some medical treatments can increase your risk of developing DVT. So, if you're going to hospital for an operation, you will usually have an assessment to check your risk of developing DVT before you have your operation. There are many things that can be done to keep your risk of developing DVT during surgery as low as possible. You may be given anticoagulant medicines before and after surgery, or be asked to wear compression stockings. You may also be given a mechanical pump to use on your feet and legs in the first few days after the operation. This is called an intermittent compression device. The pump automatically squeezes your feet and lower legs to help your blood circulate. Hope this helped.

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Aug 17, 2009
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complications with plica excision/debridement
by: Anonymous

I injured my right knee at work 6 mos. ago, doctors tried cortisone to no avail, then sent me for mri, which they said was negative, but had a lot of swelling and pain. Had plica removed and patella and meniscus derbridement 10 weeks ago. The day after surgery, started experiencing extreme pain in calf of same leg...turned out to be DVT (blood clot). I'm doing pt 2x week ever since, some improvement but ROM is still terrible(maybe 95'?) and between therapy appts. pain seems just as bad as before surgery. I thought the pain would be improving much more by now...am I being unrealistic?Also, I've been told by my cousin (she's a nurse pract.) that prior to surgey, it's common practice to test the patient's blood for clotting risks, h. pylori, etc...anyone know anything about all of this?

Aug 18, 2009
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my story
by: Anonymous

sorry about the double post, for some reason page didnt update. Thanks for the reply, they did have me wear compression sock, but i dont have any of the risk factors...male under 30 with athletic build. Started coumadin and naproxen(as directed by Dr.) three days post op. About 3weeks later I developed intense stomach pain and was diagnosed with "probable" ulcer...at that point I was tested for h. pylori, and a week later was told that was the cause of the bleeding, not the coumadin and naproxen. Thought that was odd seeing as how I've never had any stomach problems prior to the meds.Ive never heard of anyone my age and in my shape going through this, and I guess it doesnt help me that my mom worries about me endlessly, and we have a LPN in the family. Went to PT yesterday and experienced pain on the outside of knee almost as much as medial...weird...feels ok right now though, hope it lasts.

Aug 21, 2009
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plica syndrome
by: Anonymous

I sympathize with everyone. As I just found out today that is my problem. Started hurting mid-June & thought I had torn my meniscus. Had the MRI, no tears, was told it was arthritis. Had the knee aspirated of fluid and given a cortisone injection. Felt ok went back to my tennis and other activities. After tennis it would puff up nice & big & then I would be in agony for at least 48hrs. All this time doing PT, felt fine after PT but anytime I would do any activity I'd be back at square 1. Extremely frustrating! Just had a 2nd opinion today. This Dr. says surgery is a 50/50 chance of 'curing' it and like some people have mentioned could have more problems after. He's taking the non-surgical route. I'm to do no running , tennis or hard pounding for 4 weeks. He gave me another cortisone injection. Can only walk on level surfaces, difficult for me as I live in the foothills of Denver. I can also do the elliptical and ride a bike on the flats with minimal resistance. This is torture for me but figure I will abide by this as I want to get back to my normal active life. And I'm hoping that this hasn't turned into something chronic.
I was surprised to see how many people suffer from this and that I'm not imagining the pain that goes along with this syndrome.

Aug 27, 2009
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Good Plica Outcome
by: Anonymous

I had a medial plica resection/chondroplasty on 8/4/09 with great results. I was able to perform quad sets the day after surgery without pain for the first time in six months. I was back to work the day after surgery (granted I work in physical therapy so that has helped.) I also feel fortunate to have found an orthopedic surgeon with a ton of experience in performing these procedures on runners. I have been very happy with my surgery and wanted to let you know that the outcome is not always bad with this type of surgery. For those that have had a difficult recovery, I'm truly sorry-it's so frustrating to not be able to do what you love!

Aug 27, 2009
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7 Years and counting
by: Anonymous

It's about time someone found releif!! I hope things continue to go well with you. Soon all the suffering and pain we go through will be a thing of the past, no not in heaven but right here on earth. For all who need comfort in dealing with this chronic health issue please read Revelation 21:3,4. And Ps. 37:9-11 and 29.
This comfort has helped me deal with the pain I go through right now...It gives me hope that God cares and will soon do something about the problems we all face. If anyone would like some more comfort from the scriptures please feel free to e-mail me at theresas1@charterinternet.com
But unfortunately until this time comes we must deal with the reality of it all. Again I'm glad someone found releif!!

Sep 07, 2009
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update on my surgery
by: Deborah

Hello all. I am now 14 weeks post op and am in more pain than before the op. Before I had episodes of no pain. I had pain whenever my leg and knee 'clicked' which would fade over a period of hours. Now I have pain all the time and have to use a stick if I am walking far ( I am 36). This is because it feels like a knife has been pushed into the inner side of my knee when I put weight on it.PT consists of being told exercises to do.One Therapist has never ever touched my knee. I saw the consultant last week who said my knee was fine - he doesn't understand why I still have pain but I will feel the benefit from the surgery in approx a YEAR!!!!
They have also diagnosed the clicking followed by pain( which I still get) is a torn shin muscle which has come away shin bone!) I hope others are fairing better than me but if you are not my update is to show you are not alone

Sep 07, 2009
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striking similarities...
by: Anonymous

in response to the woman 14 weeks post op, i am now 12 weeks post op and i know exactly what you are going through. about a month ago my therapist told me that i should be almost back to normal by now(a month ago)...seemed like he was doubting my pain. fastfoward about two weeks, while at therapy he was moving my patella around to help break down scar tissue(i guess?) and he notice how it feels like my knee is moving over a cheese grater...and thats normal...really? another therapist was doing the same thing and noticed the same thing and also how swollen my knee still is. i was told it might take 6 months or more to feel normal again. i'm wondering if its ever going to feel the same again...and if theres something else wrong. another question. how many different types of mri are there? im wondering if theres something else going on, but they didnt see it because of an inferior image...i have no idea if there is something better than those mris than produce black and white images, i just know insurance companies are cheap and will take advantage of anybody. hope everyone feels better!

Sep 10, 2009
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not crazy
by: Anonymous

I had surgery 7/2/09, after pt and no problems on any imaging i opted for the arthoscopic (i had medial meniscus removed with lateral release 14 years ago in high school) again. Found the plica torn, cartilage all frayed and a small tear in the lateral meniscus. Went to the dr a week after the surgery and told him i was in agony, he told me to start pt asap. 4 weeks later still in pain but forced myself to walk with no crutches as he recommended. the therapist was amazed at how stong i was and had me continue on my own. everyday in pain and having to ice. back to work after 8 weeks, having to ice as soon as i got home every day. its not about 9 weeks out and its the same thing. every day i'm in pain from when i wake up. walking, i just dont want to do. The dr told me i'd be 100% and never look back. I'm 31 and the fact that i can sometimes not walk without pain is frustrating. its sad to see so many similar stories in comparison to the few successes. at least i know im not crazy like the dr seems to think.

Sep 10, 2009
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re not crazy
by: Deborah

I know exactly how you feel - I feel the same -I am sure the doctors think I am crazy because they can bend my knee around and ask me to push it and it is strong. It only hurts when I get to the carpark when I have walked (weight bearing), then it is agony and will throb for hours. I have found it is easier to cycle (after initial pain for the first few metres) than it is to walk. Phyio tomorrow - last time the therapist didn't even touch my knee- showed me exercises that I can't do!

Sep 24, 2009
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re:not crazy
by: Anonymous

thanks deborah!
yeah i have strength but forget it, 10 minutes into walking it's hurting and i can't kneel on it, its still very sore around the incisions. everyone thinks i'm being a baby b/c i'm almost 12 weeks out but rainy days like today i'm getting shooting pains/throbbing.

Oct 05, 2009
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Can I expect my Plica syndrome to go away after 4 months?
by: Anonymous

Hi, I've been diagnosed with Plica syndrome after negative MRIs and don't think I will ever have surgery. Mine has gone on for 4 months, but got a lot better after 3, then worse again after some mild bumps to the knee and too much walking one day. It started all because a massage therapist simply moved my patella up and down in it's groove, I was having hip problems prior to that but really wish he would not have messed with my knee. I wonder if just that could have tore the plica or just aggravated it. It doesn't really hurt at rest, but I have really decreased my normal walking and I have physical therapy exercises. I'm not even exercising but I am a small person,110 pound,5 ft 4". I ballet danced last year and that is wear the hip problems began. I have used creams, NSAIDs, braces and orthotics and they do help. Should I expect it to get better? Any advice would help.

Thanks, Debra

Oct 11, 2009
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Undecided.
by: Anonymous

I am a 17 year old female and have been suffering from knee pain for almost 5 years and have endured numerous injuries to my knees. I play lacrosse and snowboard nonstop. I was recently diagnosed with plica syndrome and my doctor wants to give me a cortisone shot as a diagnostic as to whether or not it truly is my plica because if it is then he wants to recess it through arthroscopic surgery. After reading so many numerous negative reports of plica removal surgery I am starting to grow very weary and unsure of what to do. Any suggestions?

Oct 12, 2009
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plica
by: deborah

Hello both of you - it is sad to see so many negatives for plica surgery. I am still in pain four months after surgery but have been told it takes up to a year to feel benefit! Perhaps I am being impatient but really did expect a difference sooner.
The problem is that you never know how you are going to recover from surgery - I am a bad example , but know a friend who had plica, debridement and ligaments and was back at work in two weeks and continuing with sports. My friend is sporty and I think if your leg muscles are strong you are in better shape to recover as your muscles support the knee more. I have never been particularly fit and so my leg muscles were not strong. Hope this helps

Oct 13, 2009
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muscle strength
by: Anonymous

i don't particulalry believe in plica syndrome the muscle strength is a hugr factor in recovery. I'm a personal trainer and was in top shape before my surgery and i'm stil having just as many issues and as much pain as people who are not in top physical condition. i think this is one of those things where 15-20 years from now they will realize that maybe the current approach was not the smartest choice. i've seen this happen in many cases involving knee procedures

Oct 13, 2009
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KINESIOTAPE MIRACLE
by: Anonymous

DON"T DO THE CORTISONE SHOT!!!! It will stop the pain for maybe a month or two, but you have to continue getting them if you want the relief to continue and it wears away the cartilage which will cause bigger problems in the future. Its just not worth it.

I would also be wary of the surgery, I had it when I was 18 (im 21 now) and my knee is no better. The only thing I have found that works is Kinesiotape. The stuff is pretty expensive, but I ran a mile without my knee hurting last week for the first time since my surgery. Go online, buy a roll, learn to tape yourself, and see if it works. Its a whole lot cheaper than the surgery and for me has been 100% more effective.

Oct 14, 2009
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Sleepless Nights after Plica removal
by: Dana

Hi All,

I am 7 weeks out from surgery. I had the plica removal and I still have severe pain. I saw my OS 2 days ago and he said its "only a bone contusion" and gave me a steroid injection. When I went to check out I was informed that he has released me, and wrote a script for 4 more weeks of PT???? I still have poor range of motion and no one can guarantee that it will get back to normal. After the injsction I still have the terrible bone aches especially while sleeping. Can anyone offer help??

Nov 19, 2009
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STILL HAVING PAIN
by: Anonymous

hi i had plica removed in march no i can admit i do not have the pinching feeling all the time thank God but after the surgery and before also the knee will swell get warm and give out more so since the surgery i have had more xrays and etc i go to the dr and he says to stretch i do. i seems like it is worse now like i get stuck when i try to kneel,steps are my worse enemy to this day i will be fine then bam there goes the knee. i feels like someone comes up and just all the sudden kicks me. Also i have alot or problems when i sleep i wake up with leg pain its a sharp shooting pain and its not the same as when your leg for say falls asleep, when this happens the pain last for hours, also the colder the weather the more problems i have. Does anyone have any sugestions? Does the pain and problems ever go away?

Nov 20, 2009
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my recovery (finally)
by: Deborah

As you all know I had surgery in June this year. I am now in hardly any pain - it turned out I had a trapped nerve in the bottom of my spine which was causing all the pain in my knee and leg. This is really annoying as did I really have plica syndrome anyway? Who knows. I have recently been able to take my dog for proper long walks and only get the occassional twing in my knee, but I expect that as I had surgery. It is so much better. I was amazed I had a trapped nerve as I never had any back pain! I am still waiting for a second opinion on my shin, as a doctor told my the clicking I get is bones rubbing together but my knee pain has almost gone.I hope everyone recovers soon. It takes a while but I feel I am almost there

Nov 20, 2009
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Dec 04, 2009
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do i need another knee surgery?
by: stormchaser

I have had plica suergery in May 2008 and I believe the plica has grown back and thick. My pain, snapping, and tender on my femur next to patella just as bad as before. I am focused on my wrist and hand i have carpal tunnel in right wrist which it probably requires surgery. I am janitor for a school district and go to college. I do a lot of walking and using my hands in day. I am only 24 years old. think about that. Do you think i should have surgery on the knee again in the future?

Jan 18, 2010
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questions for you
by: Anonymous

sorry to hear about everyone's troubles with this.

if anyone has tried squatting (not 90 degrees, but all the way down into a FULL SQUAT), did the medial aspect of the knee right next to the patella hurt on the way up? It feels like there is so much stress there.

what other pains was everyone experiencing before their surgeries? and if you already answered this in your comments, I apologize for sounding repetitive!

Thank you

Jan 18, 2010
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In response to the squatting...
by: Anonymous

I do squatting in PT and my knee bothers me as well. Step ups are the worst though, my knee feels as though it's in a bind kinda like when you try to pop your knuckle and it absorbs the pressure but will not pop. I have pain in different areas of my knee, don't really know what I do to provoke it but it doesn't take much. I'm 7 months post surgery and still can't get down on my knee due to pain, ROM is around 110...that's it, 110. Not a single day has gone by that I don't regret having it done, and now my other knee is having the same symptoms. I'm far worse off now than before, never gonna do tha again if I can help it. Pretty sure the "doctor" botched the procedure, but he thinks me and my popping, clicking, swollen knee are full of you-know-what. Best of luck to all of you...

Jan 19, 2010
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Synvisk
by: Anonymous

Hey Everyone,
I've been dealing with the same type of pain from plica you've all had and discribed. My plica was set off by a work injury in 2001 I've had it removed in 2004 when it was finally diagnosed. According to my doctor it can't grow back. And I still have so much pain I'm on disability and not able to work or do any type of activity. I've done 4 boughts of PT but they kick me out and say come back when the pain is better under control. But recently my pain management doctor has been trying injections of Synvisk (sp?) and wow have I noticed a huge difference in my pain level.I went from daily pain levels of 8's and 10's to 6's. Has anyone else tried this medication? Are you having the same results? I'm only on my 2nd injection of 4 and the improvement is blowing me away! Maybe something to think about/try?.

Feb 21, 2010
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plica syndrome
by: stormchaser

i am still experiencing pain in the pain and i have to the dr appt with the past plica surgery history. i probably may need the knee fixed yet again. the wirst pain had cleared up.