The patello-femoral joint :

lateral release-2 years ago - - Posted by teresap4 (teresap4), 12 January 2005

hi, im 20 years old and play soccer in college. i have played for 16 years but it wasnt until 3 years ago that i started having knee problems. my school doctor first put me through rehab for about 6 months to see if that helped but then suggested that i have lateral release. i had the surgery two years ago on both knees and they have only gotten worse. i redshirted the season after my surgery and did intensive rehab with our trainer, only to come back for this past fall season. i played in about 6 games but by then the pain was so bad that i would come off of the field in tears. i will be starting my spring season in 2 weeks. i am not the same player as before, i am not as fast, can not cut or change directions fast at all and just the basics such as kicking is not as strong. my coaches know the situation and are completely supportive, but i am too hard on myself and will not allow myself to sit out when in pain (which would be way too often and i am afraid of losing my scholarship.) i dont know what to do now, i am very confused becuase i was pressured into getting the surgery in the first place by my coaches and now am worse than before and they just dont understand. recently i have been reading about it and have big regrets. i have done rehab and strengthening nonstop and i am hoping that someone can help me. please!
Posted by Linds (Linds), 12 January 2005

I think you need to go back to another Orthopedic Surgeon.   A Lateral Release will only help patients who's kneecaps have  a lateral tilt with no latera shift. If your kneecap doens't track properly the LR will not help and can serve to make things worse. I am 24 years old and i'm in the same sort of position as you.  The best plan would be to go to another surgeon and get a second opinion.
GOODLUCK and I hope you can get back to soccer...
Hugs
Linds

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