title: Role of arthroscopic lateral release in the treatment of patellofemoral disorders.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Fabbriciani
authors: A S
authors: AS
authors: Panni
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Delcogliano
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management