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Review
. 2022 Mar 14;93(1):e2022029.
doi: 10.23750/abm.v93i1.10950.

Radiocapitellar plica: a narrative review

Alessandra Colozza  1 , Ilaria Martini  2 , Michele Cavaciocchi  3 , Margherita Menozzi  4 , Sara Padovani  5 , Alberto Belluati  6
Affiliations
Review

Radiocapitellar plica: a narrative review

Alessandra Colozza et al. Acta Biomed. .

Abstract

Radiocapitellar plica is a vestigial lateral portion of elbow synovial fold which may cause pain and snap in some cases. Plica is a difficult and misleading diagnosis and it could be easily confused with a common lateral epicondylitis however, they are different conditions. Pathology full understanding and proper diagnosis is essential to achieve patient's pain relief and functional recovery therefore, we reviewed the most relevant literature about radiocapitaller plica. The aim of this study is to provide the best and current concepts about: clinical evaluation, imaging findings and surgical treatments of radiocapitellar plica.

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Conflict of interest statement

Each author declares that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g. consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangement etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The “plica” is a synovial fold interposed between radial head and capitulum humeri.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flexion-pronation test for detecting lateral plica.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Extension-supination test to detect posterior plica
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
MRI showing posterolateral plica in sagittal view (a) and axial view (b)
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
On CT scan loose bodies behind the radial head can be localized in axial (a) and sagittal view (b)
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Arthroscopic visualization of loose bodies from posterolateral portal
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Arthroscopic vision of plica from posterolateral portal.
Figure 8a.
Figure 8a.
Arthroscopic vision of plica from posterolateral portal.
Figure 8b.
Figure 8b.
Vision after plica resection, from the same portal.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Arthroscopic elbow instruments in soft-spot portal and arthroscope in antero-medial portal.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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