title: The role of lateral retinacular release in the treatment of patellar instability.
abstract: In the last 2 decades many authors have described the use of an isolated lateral retinacular release for the treatment of patellar instability. This review analyzes the published long-term results of this procedure for the treatment of patellar instability. The isolated use of a lateral retinacular release of the patella has not proven to be of long-term benefit for the treatment of patellar instability. It may be used as an adjunct procedure to a proximal or distal realignment of the extensor mechanism. Various pitfalls of a lateral release for patellar instability are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Center for Cartilage Repair and Restoration, Kentucky Clinic, Lexington, USA.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lattermann
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Toth
authors.forename: Bernard R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Bach
mesh_terms: D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*