PLICA syndrome
PLICA syndrome is a commonly overlooked cause of anterior knee pain. If you have ongoing, undiagnosed anterior knee pain, MSK Doctors can help.
At a glance
About
PLICA is a condition affecting the synovial tissue
Referrals
Not Needed
Booking
Instant-book option available
Cost
X
Suitable for
Anterior knee pain
Condition overview
PLICA syndrome is a condition affecting the synovial tissue in the knee (the PLICA). The tissue becomes irritated and inflamed, causing pain, swelling and clicking sensations.
Because these symptoms are so broad, diagnosis can be difficult. Many of our patients have been seen by several doctors, physios or surgeons, without a diagnosis or any improvement.
MSK Doctor, Prof. Paul Lee, is an international expert on PLICA syndrome. The most important step is diagnosing the condition. We must arrange an MRI scan to confirm you have PLICA, before we progress with treatment. After confirmation, we will arrange keyhole surgery to treat the condition.
During surgery, we will enter the knee via keyhole incisions to remove and trim the synovial fold. We’ll cut away the irritated PLICA, and this will reduce pain and improve movement.
MSK Doctors
We’re an MSK specialist clinic with a team of doctors who focus on musculoskeletal health. We take the time to recommend the best treatment for our patients, not just the simplest or quickest.
Prof. Paul Lee is our in-house, PLICA syndrome expert. He is an international expert in the field, and he has written papers on the condition. To read more about PLICA, conservative management and surgical treatment, you can read Prof. Lee’s paper.
How to pay
Injections
You can pay for yourself.
Private medical insurance
Some of our treatments are covered by private medical insurance, check with your specific provider for more information.
Payment options
We partner with Kandoo, if you would like to pay in instalments. Head to the Kandoo page to make a finance application. You’ll receive an instant decision and your credit score will not be impacted.
The booking process
Online booking/call
Use our Calendly to book an initial consultation, or give us a call.
01
Consult
Our doctors might request you arrange a scan before your initial consultation. Or, they’ll chat with you (face to face or online) and recommend a scan after your initial consultation, if they think you need one.
02
Treatment
Once your scan results have been reviewed, and your doctor has explained your options, you will be booked in for treatment.
03
Rehab
Following your treatment, your doctor will give you rehab recommendations.
04
Follow up
You will be booked in for a follow-up consultation, so your doctor can check your progress. You might need further rehab after this consultation.
05
Discharge
Once your doctor is happy with your recovery, you will be discharged. After discharge, we are always here for further questions or support, should you need it.
04
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PLICA so hard to diagnose?
PLICA is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms, such as pain, swelling and clicking, mimic a range of other conditions. PLICA syndrome is often misdiagnosed as meniscus tears, patellar tendonitis or osteoarthritis. It can also be hard to accurately investigate the PLICA via MRI, so diagnosis relies on clinical examination too.
Are there conservative treatments for PLICA?
Yes, and these should always be pursued before surgical treatments. Conservative treatments for PLICA syndrome include activity modification, exercise therapy and taping. Our doctors will be able to talk through conservative treatments with you, if we believe these could help you manage the pain.
Related Articles for You
Schedule A Discovery Call With Us
Don’t wait to find relief. Whether it’s a consultation, scan, or treatment, we’re ready to help.