HYPERPLASIA OF THE MEDIOPATELLAR PLICA OF THE KNEE JOINT IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PAIN SYNDROME

Abstract

The morphology of the mediopatellar plica of the knee joint in patients with knee pain syndrome is of significant importance, as age-related changes of the plica, its hypertrophy, and trauma may increase the risk of damage to the articular cartilage of the femur and lead to chronic pain. The aim. To study the histological features of the mediopatellar plica of the knee joint in patients with pain syndrome and to identify factors influencing its morphology. Methods. A histological study of 12 mediopatella plicae harvested from patients aged (42,3 ± 9,8) years (10 men and 2 women) was performed. The relative density of blood vessels, fibrous tissue, and adipose tissue within the plicae was assessed. The association between plica morphology and factors contributing to pain syndrome was analyzed. Results. Histological study demonstrated that the mediopatellar plica is composed of fibrous connective tissue, vascularized, with severe fibrosis with signs of hyalinosis observed in 41,6 % of cases. A morphological difference was identified between the paracapsular and marginal zones of the plica. The marginal zone lacked adipose tissue and consisted predominantly of dense connective tissue. Age and hyalinosis were found to be significant determinants of plica morphology, whereas trauma, type of occupation, and sex were not significant predictors of morphological changes in the mediopatellar plica. Conclusions. Dense connective tissue with features of fibrosis is more characteristic of the marginal zone of the plica, while the presence of adipose tissue beneath the synovial membrane distinguishes the paracapsular zone. Plica thickness significantly increases in the presence of hyalinosis; however, the relationship between plica morphology and clinical factors requires further investigation.