[Pathologic synovial plica of the knee. Results of surgical treatment in 37 knees].

The authors present their results on the surgical treatment of pathologic synovial plica in 69 knees of 66 patients. In all patients the synovial plica was the primary pathology and there where no associated knee pathologies. 36 knees were operated between 1979 and 1986 by an open procedure, and 33 had arthroscopic surgery from 1986 to 1991. All patients had previous unsuccessful conservative treatment. The operation was a partial sinovectomy, including all the extension of the synovial plica. The results were obviously superior in the arthroscopic procedure, with 100% of excellent results and quick recovery. All patients in this group had a full range of knee movements by the end of the second week after surgery. In the open surgery group, only 76% of the results were excellent and the full range of movements was obtained only by the fourth or fifth week.