Medial patellar plica
Plica synovialis patellaris medialis
- Latin synonym: Plica alaris medialis
- Synonym: Medial patellar fold; Medial alar plica; Medial patellar fold; Mediopatellaris shelf; Medial shelf; Medial intraarticular band; Medial patellar plica; Lino's band; Synovial chorda;Medial pleat; Intraarticular medial band, Ledge, wedge, or cleat; plica ala
Definition
Medial patellar plica is a synovial fold located on the medial aspect of the knee joint, representing a remnant of embryologic septation within the synovial cavity. It is a normal anatomical structure present in a significant proportion of the population, with an incidence of up to 80% in arthroscopic series, though it is usually asymptomatic.
When the medial patellar plica becomes thickened or fibrotic—often due to repetitive trauma or inflammation—it can impinge between the medial femoral condyle and the patella, leading to symptoms such as anteromedial knee pain, snapping, or mechanical irritation, a condition termed medial plica syndrome.
Morphologically, the medial patellar plica can vary in size and shape, and its clinical significance is determined by its propensity to become symptomatic rather than by its mere presence.
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