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

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.