Measurement of the effects of lateral release

In a prospective trial of 37 knees with anterior knee pain, 12 improved with conservative treatment. Twenty five knees in 23 patients required arthroscopy and lateral release. It was found that the clinical examination combined with skyline X-Rays gave a good assessment of these patients. The medial angle and the congruence angle were rarely abnormal but often showed improved centring after lateral release. It seems unlikely, however, that this is responsible for improved symptoms especially as the asymptomatic side frequently showed similar X-Ray changes.