London Cartilage Clinic IconLondon Cartilage Clinic66 Harley Street
Close-up of knee assessment and treatment

Plica

From £9,800
View Price List

Guide price only. Final cost is confirmed after assessment.

A plica is a fold of tissue inside the joint that can become inflamed, thickened, or mechanically irritating. When a symptomatic plica causes persistent pain, clicking, or catching that has not responded to conservative treatment, arthroscopic excision offers a targeted, minimally invasive solution. At London Cartilage Clinic, plica surgery is performed as a day-case keyhole procedure with rapid recovery.

Free Discovery CallBook a Consultation
Arthroscopic view of joint interior

When a plica becomes a problem

Plicae are a normal part of joint anatomy in most people. They only become clinically significant when they thicken, scar, or become caught between the moving surfaces of the joint during bending and straightening.

  • The medial plica of the knee is the most commonly symptomatic location.
  • Symptoms often mimic meniscal tears or patellofemoral pain, making diagnosis challenging.
  • A chronically irritated plica can damage the cartilage surface beneath it if left untreated.

Accurate diagnosis is the most important step. Many patients with plica syndrome have been told their pain is from other causes. Specialist assessment can identify the plica as the source and guide appropriate treatment.

Free Discovery CallBook a Consultation

Arthroscopic excision and rapid recovery

When conservative treatment has not resolved symptoms, arthroscopic plica excision removes the offending tissue through a minimally invasive approach.

  • Day-case procedure with small keyhole incisions.
  • Immediate weight-bearing after surgery in most cases.
  • Return to normal activity within two to four weeks.

At the time of arthroscopy, the surgeon also assesses the rest of the joint to check for any associated cartilage or meniscal damage that may need attention.

Free Discovery CallBook a Consultation
Knee rehabilitation after surgery

You may have more options than you think

Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told

At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.

Preserve

Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.

Repair

Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.

Regenerate

Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.

Replace

When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.

Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.

Explore Knee OptionsExplore Elbow Options
consulting-in-office-with-pen

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a plica?

A plica is a fold of synovial tissue inside the joint, a remnant from embryological development. Most people have plicae that cause no symptoms at all. In some cases, however, a plica can become thickened, inflamed, or trapped between the joint surfaces, producing pain, clicking, and catching.

How is plica syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, symptom pattern, and ruling out other causes of anterior knee or elbow pain. MRI can sometimes show a thickened plica, but many are only confirmed during arthroscopy. A specialist who understands plica presentations is important for avoiding misdiagnosis.

Does plica syndrome always need surgery?

No. Many cases respond to physiotherapy, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory treatment. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite conservative management, particularly if the plica is causing mechanical catching or is damaging the underlying cartilage surface.

What does the surgery involve?

Arthroscopic plica excision is a keyhole procedure. The thickened or inflamed plica is identified and removed or debrided using small instruments inserted through two to three tiny incisions. The procedure is typically performed as a day case under general or regional anaesthetic.

What is the recovery time?

Recovery after plica excision is usually rapid. Most patients can weight-bear immediately and return to normal activities within two to four weeks. Physiotherapy may be recommended to address any muscle weakness or movement patterns that developed while the plica was symptomatic.

Still have more specific concerns?

Free Discovery Call

London Cartilage Clinic

Latest Insights

Clinical updates, cartilage treatment guidance, and recovery-focused articles from our specialist team.

Home Remedies and Care for Women with Left Hip Pain
Eleanor Hayes

Home Remedies and Care for Women with Left Hip Pain

Discover safe, non-surgical methods to relieve left hip pain in women with expert advice from Professor Paul Lee and the London Cartilage Clinic. This article explains common causes such as muscle strain, hormonal changes, and developmental issues, alongside practical home remedies including gentle stretches, heat and cold therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Learn when to seek professional help and how symptom tracking can aid diagnosis and treatment. Empower your recovery and improve mobility with effective, evidence-based tips for managing left hip pain at home.

Read More
ChondroFiller for Effective Cartilage Regeneration
Eleanor Hayes

ChondroFiller for Effective Cartilage Regeneration

ChondroFiller is an innovative collagen-based treatment designed to support natural cartilage repair by providing a biodegradable scaffold for the body's own cells to regenerate damaged tissue. This acellular, type I collagen gel encourages growth of essential type II cartilage, promoting effective healing without introducing foreign cells or drugs. Clinical studies demonstrate ChondroFiller's safety, biocompatibility, and significant improvements in pain relief and joint function. For optimal outcomes, treatment should be managed by experienced specialists like Professor Paul Lee at the London Cartilage Clinic, who combine advanced therapies with personalized rehabilitation. ChondroFiller offers a promising option for patients with small to medium cartilage defects, enhancing mobility and quality of life through natural regeneration.

Read More
Knee Cartilage Replacement Gels for Osteoarthritis Relief
Knee
Eleanor Hayes

Knee Cartilage Replacement Gels for Osteoarthritis Relief

Knee cartilage replacement gels, including hyaluronic acid and collagen-based injections, offer a non-surgical treatment option for mild to moderate osteoarthritis. These gels mimic natural joint lubrication and cushioning, reducing pain and improving mobility by decreasing friction and absorbing shocks. While they do not regenerate cartilage, clinical studies show symptom relief lasting several months to a year. Precise injection techniques enhance effectiveness, and patient selection is crucial for optimal outcomes. Typically well-tolerated, the injection procedure involves minimal discomfort and manageable aftercare. Clinics like the London Cartilage Clinic provide expert assessments to tailor treatment plans and set realistic expectations. Patients should consult healthcare professionals to determine suitability and receive personalized advice for managing osteoarthritis symptoms with cartilage gel injections.

Read More
View all insights
Privacy & Cookies Policy