Lateral retinacular lengthening is a procedure that lengthens the lateral retinaculum by cutting and sliding the superficial layer over the deep layer to allow a more controlled release of tension.

Page updated September 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

lateral retinacular lengthening

The superficial layer of the lateral retinaculum is released.

lateral retinacular lengthening

At a lower level, the deep layer is also released, allowing the patella to un-tilt.

lateral retinacular lengthening

When the patella is in a good position the two layers are sutured together in the new position.

 

Controlled retinacular tensioning

The lateral retinacular lengthening procedure allows the surgeon to control the tension in the retinaculum, so that the patella is in a better position but the lateral retinaculum is still functioning as a guy rope.

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Forum discussions

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Peer-reviewed papers

  • Lateral Patellar Retinaculum Z-Lengthening.

    Citation: Hayden DJ, Doshi C, Parikh SN. Lateral Patellar Retinaculum Z-Lengthening. Arthrosc Tech. 2021 Jun 28;10(7):e1883-e1887. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2021.04.010. PMID: 34336590; PMCID: PMC8322702.

    Quote: "The advantages of LRL include controlled lengthening that maintains the continuity of the vastus lateralis (thereby decreasing quadriceps weakness and atrophy and allowing faster rehabilitation), prevention of iatrogenic medial instability, prevention of excessive swelling, and avoidance of egress of synovial fluid in the subcutaneous tissues."

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Synonyms: 
lateral lengthening, lateral retinaculum langthening
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Dr Sheila StroverĀ (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...