Lateral retinacular release during primary total knee arthroplasty: effect on outcomes and complications

Intraoperative lateral retinacular release performed during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can improve patellar tracking. This study compares the outcomes of patients who did and did not have lateral retinacular release during primary TKA. One thousand one hundred eight consecutive primary TKAs were reviewed. Lateral release was performed on 314 patients; 794 patients did not undergo release. Comparisons of range of motion, Knee Society Score, and postoperative complications were made between the 2 groups. At an average follow-up of 4.7 years, no statistically significant difference in range of motion, Knee Society Score, or postoperative complications of patella fracture, subluxation, postoperative manipulation, or wound complications was demonstrated. Lateral retinacular release to achieve improved patellar tracking does not compromise the clinical outcomes or complication rate of primary TKA.