Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the 13-year clinical and functional outcomes of arthroscopic removal of symptomatic mediopatellar plica (MPP) in patients with cartilage degeneration.
Materials and Methods: Seventy-six patients who underwent arthroscopic MPP excision between 2005 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. After exclusions and loss to follow-up, 42 patients with a mean age of 51.2±12.1 years were evaluated at a mean of 14 years postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline, 6 months, and final follow-up. Symptoms, plica types, and coexisting intra-articular pathologies were also recorded.
Results: A total of 42 patients with a mean age of 51.2±12.1 years were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 14.0±0.79 years. Significant improvements in pain and function were observed at 6 months and at final follow-up (p<0.05). At 6 months, 97.6% of patients rated their outcome as good or excellent according to WOMAC scores, and 92.9% maintained this rating at final follow-up. Improvements were consistent regardless of the presence of additional intra-articular pathology. No patient reported worsening of symptoms during follow-up. Cartilage degeneration was observed in all cases, predominantly in the medial femoral condyle and medial pole of the patella.
Conclusion: Arthroscopic excision of symptomatic MPP associated with cartilage degeneration provides durable clinical benefits lasting more than a decade. The sustained improvement in pain and function supports arthroscopic plica resection as an effective treatment option when conservative therapies fail, even in patients with coexisting joint pathology.