Intra-articular Plica Causing Ankle Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report and Updated Review of the Literature

TL;DR

A rare case of ankle plica syndrome in a young athlete is reported, highlighting the need for better recognition of this condition in chronic ankle pain.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on ankle plica syndrome and emphasizes its consideration in treatment-resistant ankle pain.

Findings

Intra-articular ankle plica syndrome was diagnosed in a 17-year-old athlete with chronic pain.

Arthroscopic debridement successfully treated the condition.

The case highlights the importance of considering plica syndrome in unresponsive ankle pain cases.

Abstract

Ankle plica syndrome is a rare and underrecognized cause of chronic ankle pain, often overlooked due to nonspecific clinical and imaging findings. We present the case of a 17-year-old female athlete with ankle pain and mechanical symptoms refractory to conservative treatment who was diagnosed with intra-articular ankle plica syndrome and successfully treated with extensive arthroscopic debridement. We also share a review of the current literature on symptomatic ankle plica syndrome. This case contributes to the limited existing literature and underscores the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with chronic, activity-limiting ankle pain unresponsive to conservative management.

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