Knee Surgery: Patellar (Kneecap) Painful Plica Removal

A minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to relieve pain and swelling

The patella is a flat, triangular-shaped bone that protects the knee joint and helps muscles move your leg more efficiently. A healthy patella glides up and down a groove at the end of your femur. However, there are a number of conditions that can cause pain when your patella moves.

Your plica is a fold within the kneecap. When your kneecap glides back and forth, it can pinch the plica, causing pain. This minimally invasive procedure is performed by your surgeon using a small incision and the insertion of a scope and a specialized surgical instrument to remove the damaged plica.

View patellar painful plica removal animation