Very painful knee popping! can't bend for very long. had a scope, no chondromalacia. they removed plica. other ideas? had pain for years, worsening

Diagnosis needed: Your symptoms sound like they are from the patello femoral joint. The first thing you need is an accurate diagnosis from a sports medicine doctor who has expertise in this area. Surgery is rarely necessary for most patello femoral problems and if it is recommended i would get at least one second opinion before going that route. Usually this problem can be helped with treatment but not cured.