Lateral release

 

The patella is supported on both sides by the fibrous retinacula, the most important of which is the lateral retinaculum.

 

Sometimes the retinaculum is too tight on the lateral side and this results in 'patellar tilt', excessive lateral pressure syndrome and anterior knee pain.

 

In the procedure of lateral release, which is nowadays usually performed arthroscopically from inside the joint, the retinaculum is cut on the lateral (outer) side of the knee, allowing the patella to move into a better position.

Lateral release recovery

This procedure is being performed less frequently and for more stringent indications, where it was in the past performed fairly indiscriminately for several problems relating to the patella. If performed for the wrong indication, it may lead to real kneecap instability, and instability may be to the medial side rather than the more common lateral side. Surgeons nowadays - where ther is a clear indication - may recommend a lateral retinacular lengthening rather than a lateral release.