The plica test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess for the presence of a symptomatic plica in the knee joint. A plica is a fold in the synovial membrane of the knee, and while many people have plicae, they can become inflamed and cause pain, especially when they are aggravated by activities that involve repetitive knee bending.
How the Plica Test is Performed
According to the reference video, the test involves the following steps:
- Compression: The examiner applies compression into the knee joint space.
- Flexion: While maintaining the compression, the knee is then flexed up to about 90 degrees.
- Relaxation: The knee is then relaxed and brought back down.
The video states, "Into the joint. Space. We bow we then want to maintain that compression and flex up the knee to about 90 degrees relax and come back down."
What a Positive Plica Test Means
A positive plica test is indicated by:
- Pain or tenderness along the medial border of the patella (kneecap).
- A popping or snapping sensation in the knee during the movement.
These signs indicate the possibility of an irritated or inflamed plica. However, a physical exam alone is not enough to confirm it, and more tests may be needed for proper diagnosis.
Practical Insights
- The plica test can be used by doctors and physiotherapists to help in identifying knee conditions.
- It's a non-invasive assessment that can provide useful diagnostic clues.
- Other conditions could mimic the symptoms, so further investigation might be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Table: Summary of the Plica Test
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To evaluate for the presence of a symptomatic plica in the knee joint. |
| Method | Compression into joint space, followed by knee flexion to 90 degrees then relaxing the knee. |
| Positive Result | Pain or tenderness along the medial border of the patella or popping/snapping. |
| Limitations | Not definitive; other knee conditions can mimic plica symptoms. |
