Role of arthroscopic lateral release in the treatment of patellofemoral disorders

The results of 50 arthroscopic lateral releases are reported. The average follow-up period was 36 months with a range of 18-52 months. Satisfactory results were achieved in 71% of 21 patients with patellar pain alone and in 76% of those (Betz RR, Lonergan R, Patterson R. The percutaneous lateral retinacular release Orthopaedics 1982;5:57-62) with instability. Patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis or patellar dislocation were excluded from the series. Postoperative hemarthrosis occurred in 10%. Unsatisfactory results could be related to incomplete release, severe chondromalacia, or insufficient rehabilitation. Lateral release is capable of producing high rates of success with a low incidence of complication when used to treat patellar pain with tight retinaculum, patellar instability, and subluxation.