Our Summary

This research paper is a review of previous studies on the structure known as the elbow plica, a fold of soft tissue in the elbow joint. There has been some confusion about what to call it, how common it is, and how to study it. The researchers looked at medical databases for English-language studies on the topic.

They found that the term “plica” is the most commonly used, and that these structures are very common, being found in 77% of people with no symptoms and in 97% of people with symptoms. Activities that seemed to cause symptoms included sports (57%), especially for professional athletes, and heavy physical work (43%).

The most common symptom was pain on the outer side of the elbow (49%). The most common way to diagnose it was with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (64%). In people who had symptoms, the plica was most often found in the back and outer side of the elbow (54%), and it was at least 3 mm thick. In a couple of studies, the plica was found to cover more than a third of the bone at the top of the forearm (the radial head).

In conclusion, the researchers found that plicae are common, and when they are associated with symptoms, they are usually more than 3 mm thick and located at the back and outer side of the elbow or covering more than a third of the radial head.

FAQs

  1. What is the elbow plica and how common is it?
  2. What are the common symptoms of issues with the elbow plica and how is it diagnosed?
  3. How are plicae related to elbow pain and where are they usually located in people who have symptoms?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient undergoing elbow surgery is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan closely. This may include physical therapy exercises to help regain strength and range of motion in the elbow. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider. Following the recommended guidelines for recovery can help ensure a successful outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended elbow surgery for elbow plica include those who have persistent symptoms such as pain on the outer side of the elbow, especially if they are involved in sports or heavy physical work. Additionally, patients who have a thickened plica measuring more than 3 mm or a plica that covers more than a third of the radial head may also be recommended for surgery. It is important for patients to undergo proper diagnostic imaging, such as MRI scans, to accurately diagnose the presence of an elbow plica and determine the appropriate course of treatment, which may include surgery.

Timeline

Before elbow surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as pain on the outer side of the elbow, especially after activities like sports or heavy physical work. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI scans to identify the cause of their symptoms, which could potentially be due to the presence of an elbow plica.

After elbow surgery, the patient will likely have a recovery period that involves physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the elbow. They may experience pain and swelling initially, but over time, these symptoms should improve as the elbow heals. With proper rehabilitation and follow-up care, the patient can expect to return to their normal activities with reduced or resolved symptoms related to the elbow plica.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about elbow surgery related to elbow plica include:

  1. What is causing my symptoms related to the elbow plica?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of surgery to address the elbow plica?
  3. What alternative treatment options are available for my condition?
  4. How long is the recovery process after surgery for elbow plica?
  5. Will physical therapy be necessary after surgery, and if so, what will it entail?
  6. What is the success rate of surgery for elbow plica, and what are the chances of recurrence?
  7. Are there any lifestyle modifications or changes I should make to prevent further issues with the elbow plica in the future?
  8. How many surgeries for elbow plica have you performed, and what is your experience with this type of procedure?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what can I expect during the procedure?
  10. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow to ensure the best outcome from the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kholinne E, Nanda A, Liu H, Kwak JM, Kim H, Koh KH, Jeon IH. Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2021 May;30(5):e185-e198. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.09.011. Epub 2020 Oct 7. PMID: 33038495