Patellar retinaculum

The retinaculum is a fine but strong sheet of fibrous tissue communicating on both sides of the knee between the patella and the muscles and other supportive structures around the knee. The retinacula (plural) are distinct from the medial and lateral patellofemoral ligaments.

Is the patellar retinaculum important?

The patellar retinaculum is an important stabiliser of the patella. During a traumatic patella dislocation event, the retinaculum may become damaged, together with the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Such damaged supports may allow the patella to chronically sublux.

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What is a lateral retinacular release?

A lateral retinacular release is a surgical procedure performed in patients who are suffering from excessive lateral pressure syndrome, where the patellar cartilage is under stress due to tight structures on the lateral side.

It has proven important that this procedure should only be done for very specific indications, and should be avoided if there has been any previous episode of patellar instability.

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Peer-reviewed papers

• Quote:

  Medial and lateral "....[p]atellofemoral ligaments and retinacula are separate structures macroscopically and in imaging....The retinacula....[have]....a higher nerve fibre content and higher number of elastic fibres compared to the ligaments."

  Citation: Biz C, Stecco C, Crimì A, Pirri C, Fosser M, Fede C, Fan C, Ruggieri P, De Caro R. Are Patellofemoral Ligaments and Retinacula Distinct Structures of the Knee Joint? An Anatomic, Histological and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 19;19(3):1110. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031110. PMID: 35162134; PMCID: PMC8834464.

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