Open versus arthroscopic release for lateral patellar compression syndrome: a randomized-controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Knee Biomechanics

Background:

• Lateral patellar compression syndrome is a common cause of anterior knee pain in young adults.
• It results from a tight lateral patellar retinaculum, impacting knee function.
• This study investigates surgical interventions for this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare open versus arthroscopic release for lateral patellar compression syndrome.
• To evaluate functional outcomes, surgical time, hospital stay, and complications over a 2-year follow-up.
• To determine the optimal surgical approach for improved patient recovery.

Main Methods:

• 80 patients diagnosed with lateral patellar compression syndrome were randomly assigned to open (Group A) or arthroscopic (Group B) release.
• Patients were assessed using the Lysholm knee scoring scale preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months postoperatively.
• Data on surgical time, hospital stay, bleeding, infection, recurrence, and patellar instability were collected.

Main Results:

• Both surgical methods showed significant improvement in functional outcomes (P < 0.001) based on the Lysholm scale.
• Arthroscopic release demonstrated significantly better functional outcomes at the 2-year follow-up (P = 0.018).
• No recurrence was observed, but 4 patients in the open release group experienced medial patellar instability.

Conclusions:

• Both open and arthroscopic lateral release are effective for isolated lateral patellar compression syndrome.
• Arthroscopic release provides superior functional outcomes compared to open release at 2 years.
• Arthroscopic approach may reduce the risk of patellar instability post-surgery.