Results of arthroscopic treatment in patients with symptomatic mediopatellar plica and associated cartilage degeneration

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the short and mid-term results of plica excision in patients with mediopatellar plica and associated cartilage degeneration Methods: Surgically treated twenty patients with mediopateller plica and associated cartilage degeneration were included. Their cartilage degenerations and plica types were evaluated. Patients were evaluated at baseline and six months after the surgery. Results: Of twenty patients 4(%20) had Grade I, 10(%50) had Grade II, 5(%25) had Grade III cartilage degeneration in medial femoral condyle. Distributions of plica types were found as 7(%35) type C, 9(%45) type D and 4(%20) type E according to Dandy classification. 17 (85%) patients demonstrated complete relief of the preoperative pain with resumption of all activities postoperatively. Mild discomfort which did not interfere with work or activities was noted in 3(%15) patients. No patient had continuing pain at 6 months and required limitation in work or sports. Conclusions: Surgical excision of mediopatellar plica associated with cartilage degeneration appears to result in substantial clinical improvement, thus it represents an effective treatment modality.