The percutaneous lateral retinacular release.

A lateral retinacular release performed through a 2 ½-3 cm lateral parapatella incision can give rewarding results for patients with chondromalacia, degenerative joint disease, recurrent subluxation or recurrent dislocation of the patella. A retrospective review from August 1978 to December 1980 of 37 patients (42 knees) shows 83% excellent or satisfactory results, 17% unsatisfactory results with an average postoperative follow-up of 12.3 months. Preoperative pain was reduced in all but two patients; no patient was made worse by the procedure with respect to pain or function. In 17 knees with recurrent dislocation of the patella there were no recurrences of dislocation. Patients having Class IV chondromalacia, considered degenerative joint disease of the patellofemoral joint, and those patients over 35 years of age had the poorest results. One hemarthrosis was the only immediate postoperative complication. Four patellectomies and one recurrent medial subluxation were the long-term failures. Comparison with the results of other treatment methods - including patella shaving, patella curettage and drilling, patellectomy, patellar prosthesis, and realignment procedures- shows the results of the percutaneous lateral retinacular release to compare favorably within the limitations of short-term follow-up.