The lateral parapatellar plica is a synovial fold along the lateral aspect of the patellar fat pad, less common than the medial parapatellar plica but relevant in lateral knee pain syndromes. It runs parallel to the lateral patellar border.
| Origin | Lateral synovial wall of the knee beside the patella |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Synovium of the lateral infrapatellar fat pad |
A thin synovial fold with no essential role; rarely symptomatic but can cause lateral anterior knee pain when thickened.
Lateral plica syndrome is less common than medial plica but produces lateral knee pain mimicking lateral meniscal pathology. The plica may impinge between the patella and the lateral femoral condyle during knee flexion. Arthroscopic identification differentiates it from lateral compartment chondromalacia. Resection resolves symptoms when conservative management fails.
Lateral parapatellar plica impingement producing lateral knee pain with flexion activities, distinguished from lateral meniscal pathology by arthroscopic examination and treated by plica resection.
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