Plica Resection
Arthroscopic removal of an irritated knee plica with Dr. Steven Ward in Tucson and Oro Valley — for inner-knee pain and snapping that does not settle with rest and therapy.
Call 520-881-1394Typical ranges for general education. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.
What it treats
A plica is a normal fold in the lining of the knee joint. Most cause no trouble, but the fold on the inner side of the kneecap (the medial plica) can become thickened and inflamed after a direct blow to the knee or from repetitive bending, such as running or cycling.
- Popping or snapping on the inner side of the knee
- Painful catching along the inside of the kneecap
- Tenderness on the inner side of the knee just above the joint, sometimes with a tender band you can feel
- Mild swelling, or a feeling of unsteadiness when walking
X-rays are usually normal. An MRI may be used to rule out other causes, such as a meniscus tear or cartilage damage.
Is surgery right for you?
Most people with plica irritation improve without surgery:
- Cutting back on the activities that aggravate it, such as running, cycling, stair machines, or kneeling
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medication when it is safe for you
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the thigh and hamstring muscles
- Sometimes an injection to calm the inflammation
Surgery is considered when symptoms continue after a few months of that care and the plica clearly matches your symptoms.
How the surgery is done
Plica resection is done arthroscopically through small portal incisions, usually as an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour.
Dr. Ward uses the camera to confirm that the plica is thickened and rubbing, then removes it with small instruments. He also checks the rest of the knee, including the meniscus and cartilage, and treats anything else that is found.
What to expect afterward
Most people use crutches briefly and put weight on the leg as comfort allows. Keep the leg elevated and use ice for the first few days, and start your exercises early. Regular exercise for several weeks restores motion and strength.
Recovery overview
Typical ranges after a knee arthroscopy for plica resection. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.
First few days
- Home the same day with a driver; have someone with you the first evening
- Elevate the leg and use ice for pain and swelling
- Keep the incisions clean and dry as instructed
Weeks 1–3
- Walk without crutches as soon as you are comfortable
- Home exercises or physical therapy for motion and quadriceps strength
- Driving is typically possible 1–3 weeks after a minor arthroscopy, once you are off narcotic pain medication and have good control of the leg
Weeks 3–8
- Gradual return to exercise and sports
- Most physical activities by 6–8 weeks, often sooner
- Higher-impact activities may take a little longer
When to call the clinic
Call 520-881-1394 if you notice any of the following after surgery or while you are recovering:
- A fever of 101°F or higher, or chills
- Redness spreading around an incision, or drainage that is cloudy, foul-smelling, or keeps soaking the dressing after the first few days
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot once the anesthesia has worn off, or a foot that turns pale, blue, or cold
- Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication, ice, elevation, and rest
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the calf that is new or getting worse
It is normal for the knee to be swollen, bruised, and sore for a while, and for the leg to feel numb or weak until a nerve block or spinal anesthetic wears off. Use your crutches, walker, or brace as directed. Call if something feels different from what you were told to expect.
for chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs and need emergency care.
If something does not match the instructions you were given, call the office. Dr. Ward or one of his physician assistants will get back to you.
Related resources
Knee arthroscopy & meniscus resection
Dr. Ward’s knee arthroscopy page, including his meniscus resection rehab protocol.
Open pageKnee post-op hub
Knee arthroscopy and knee replacement packets, rehab protocols, and anatomy guides.
Open pageExercise guides
Printable home exercise programs to use with your physical therapist.
Open pagePhysical therapy locations
Find a physical therapy clinic near you in Tucson and Oro Valley.
Open pageOrthoInfo: Knee arthroscopy
Patient education on knee arthroscopy from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
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