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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-20855
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiologist (educational)
DOI: 10.26044/ecr2025/C-20855
Authorblock: G-A. Teodorescu, E-V. Lupu, R-A. Baz, R. O. Baz; Constanta/RO
Disclosures:
Georgiana-Alexandra Teodorescu: Nothing to disclose
Elena-Valentina Lupu: Nothing to disclose
Radu-Andrei Baz: Nothing to disclose
Radu Octavian Baz: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Anatomy, Musculoskeletal joint, Musculoskeletal soft tissue, MR, Diagnostic procedure, Inflammation, Pathology
Learning objectives Understand the role of MRI in diagnosing synovial plicae syndrome and differentiating it from other causes of knee pain. Identify the MRI characteristics of normal and pathological synovial plicae including thickening, inflammation and joint effusion. Learn to distinguish synovial plica syndrome from other knee pathologies using MRI findings.
Read more Background Synovial plicae syndrome occurs when normal folds in the synovial membrane become inflamed or thickened due to trauma or overuse, causing pain and mechanical symptoms. As these complaints may overlap with other diagnoses especially in a young, active patient population, it is important to rule out other pathologies such as meniscal tears, osteochondral lesions, and cartilage injuries. [fig 1]
Read more Findings and procedure details MRI is a non-invasive, highly sensitive tool that allows for detailed visualization of synovial plicae and surrounding knee structures, including the menisci, ligaments, and cartilage. Normal synovial plicae appear as thin, low-signal-intensity bands on T1- and T2-weighted images. Pathological changes are seen as thickened bands with signs of inflammation or associated joint effusion. The four types of synovial plicae are classified based on their anatomical location within the knee joint: the suprapatellar plica, infrapatellar plica, lateral  and medial plica.   ...
Read more Conclusion MRI is an invaluable tool for the accurate diagnosis of synovial plicae syndrome, helping differentiate it from other causes of knee pain. By identifying specific MRI features such as plica thickening, inflammation, and effusion, clinicians can avoid misdiagnosis and ensure that appropriate treatments are implemented. 
Read more References 1. Lee PYF, Nixion A, Chandratreya A, Murray JM. Synovial Plica Syndrome of the Knee: A Commonly Overlooked Cause of Anterior Knee Pain. Surg J (N Y). 2017 Feb 15;3(1):e9-e16. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1598047. PMID: 28825013; PMCID: PMC5553487.2. Dandy DJ. Anatomy of the medial suprapatellar plica and medial synovial shelf. Arthroscopy. 1990;6(2):79-85. doi: 10.1016/0749-8063(90)90002-u. PMID: 2363784.3. Dupont JY. Synovial plicae of the knee. Controversies and review. Clin Sports Med. 1997 Jan;16(1):87-122. doi: 10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70009-0. PMID: 9012563.4. Kosarek FJ, Helms CA. The MR appearance...
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