Athlete with bilateral plica excision a year ago; knee pain is acting up again. could this be plica related or is it just simple patellofemoral pain?

Knee pain, plica: Plicas do not come back once excised. The answer depends upon the location of the pain and your examination. Patellofemoral pain is usually more in the front of the knee. Inside/medial knee pain could be scar tissue, cartilage issues, or meniscal problems.

Either.: It could be either, but probably patellofemoral, since the plicas have presumably been excised.