Lateral retinacular release of the patella

From October 1977 through January 1984, 2,330 arthroscopic procedures of the knee were performed by one of the authors (G.J.S.). Among these procedures, 35 lateral retinacular releases were performed through minimal, lateral incisions. Twenty-two knees in 22 patients were available for follow-up evaluation, and these cases were reviewed retrospectively. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 22.6 years. The average follow-up period was 48 months. The patients were divided into three subgroups on the basis of their preoperative diagnosis. Group I (eight knees) had a history of patellar dislocations; group II (seven knees) had recurrent patellar subluxation, identified by history and physical and radiographic examinations; and group III (seven knees) had patellar pain without a history of dislocations or subluxation and with no symptoms of instability. All of these patients underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and lateral retinacular release, as well as arthroscopic treatment of associated pathology. Postoperatively and at the time of followup, all patients were evaluated for pain, function and patellar instability. In 15 patients with a history of patellar dislocation or subluxation, 67% were found to have had significant improvement in their symptoms, which was borne out by the findings during physical examination. None was worse following treatment. Among the seven patients with no history of patellar dislocation or subluxation, only one of the seven had a satisfactory result. Based upon the findings of this study, it was concluded that arthroscopic lateral retinacular release is a reasonable, initial step in the surgical treatment of patellar dislocation or subluxation, resistant to conservative treatment. Its efficacy in cases of recalcitrant patellar pain without a history of instability is doubtful.