What knee condition presents with snapping or intermittent pain due to thickened synovial folds?

What knee condition presents with snapping or intermittent pain due to thickened synovial folds?

• A. Plica syndrome
• B. IT band syndrome
• C. Bursitis
• D. Meniscal tear

Answer: (A)

Thickened synovial folds in the knee can irritate the joint during bending and straightening, producing a snapping sensation and intermittent pain. This is plica syndrome, where a residual synovial fold (often on the medial side) becomes inflamed or enlarged and catches between the femur and patella as the knee moves. Clinically, patients often feel a snap on the inner knee with flexion-extension and have intermittent anterior knee pain, sometimes with focal tenderness along the medial plica. Imaging isn’t usually needed, though MRI can show a thickened plica if surgery is being considered. This differs from IT band syndrome, which causes lateral knee pain without a snap; bursitis, which presents with swelling and warmth rather than a distinct snapping; and meniscal tears, which cause joint line pain, catching, or locking rather than snapping from a synovial fold. Most cases improve with activity modification and physical therapy; surgery to remove the plica is reserved for persistent symptoms.

Thickened synovial folds in the knee can irritate the joint during bending and straightening, producing a snapping sensation and intermittent pain. This is plica syndrome, where a residual synovial fold (often on the medial side) becomes inflamed or enlarged and catches between the femur and patella as the knee moves. Clinically, patients often feel a snap on the inner knee with flexion-extension and have intermittent anterior knee pain, sometimes with focal tenderness along the medial plica. Imaging isn’t usually needed, though MRI can show a thickened plica if surgery is being considered. This differs from IT band syndrome, which causes lateral knee pain without a snap; bursitis, which presents with swelling and warmth rather than a distinct snapping; and meniscal tears, which cause joint line pain, catching, or locking rather than snapping from a synovial fold. Most cases improve with activity modification and physical therapy; surgery to remove the plica is reserved for persistent symptoms.