Does lateral release change patellofemoral forces and pressures?: a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Postoperative anterior knee pain is a complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
• Balancing retinacular tissue tension is crucial for improving patellar tracking and preventing pain.
• The quantitative effects of lateral release on patellofemoral force and pressure differentials remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in patellofemoral forces and pressures between standard and gender-specific TKA components.
• To determine if lateral release alters these differentials in TKA.

Main Methods:

• Six fresh-frozen cadaver knees underwent TKA with patellofemoral resurfacing using traditional and gender-specific components.
• Passive range of motion was assessed.
• Medial and lateral peak pressure and maximum force differentials were calculated before and after lateral release.

Main Results:

• Traditional components showed greater lateral peak pressure and maximum force compared to medial values.
• Lateral release decreased these differentials in traditional components but not in gender-specific designs.
• Gender-specific components exhibited smaller initial differentials, which were increased after lateral release.

Conclusions:

• Lateral release appears more effective in reducing peak pressure and maximum force differentials with traditional TKA components.
• The lateral release technique may assist in tissue balancing when utilizing standard TKA components.
• Preliminary findings suggest differential responses to lateral release based on component design.