what exactly is a lateral release?

[bettyboo612]

I've just posted this message on another board, but i'll see if anyone here can help me as well!!!
I'm going to see the specialist on tuesday, but last time i saw him, he was talking about doing a lateral release for both knees. 
Since it doesn't look like my knees are going to get better naturally, i was just wondering if anyone could tell me what exactly they'd do if they performed a lateral release? 
Would they do it on both of my knees at once?
What is the recovery period like?

I'll probably get these questions answered on tuesday, but i would like to be prepared, and know a bit about it all.
Thanks!

[shadehawk]

Bettyboo,

Maybe this will explain the technique to you, there are pictures and everyting.

http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=10786&ExhibitKeywordsRaw=&TL=16353&A=2

Lateral Release  (this info is from the KNEEguru index)
A lateral release is a surgical procedure where the tight structures to the outer side of the kneecap (patella) are cut to allow the kneecap to take a better position towards the centre. The cut is an inch or more from top to bottom.

The procedure can be done in different ways - from inside the knee as part of an arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) or from the outside.

What is cut is the 'lateral retinaculum', a fibrous support on the outer side of the kneecap, but some other structures may also be cut at the surgeon's discretion if the release needs to be more extensive.

What is important for patients to realise is that the procedure needs to be followed up by very diligent physiotherapy to keep the patella mobile and in a better position, otherwise as the lateral release heals and scars up the patella can again be pulled over to the outer side and be in as bad, or worse, a position than before.

Important in rehab is strengthening of the quads muscles and 'patellar mobilisations'. Patellar mobilisations are passive stretches of the patella, massaging and forcing it over to the midline to stretch out the lateral release and prevent things tightening again.

Shade

[bettyboo612]

Thanks for all your help, shade!!

[Linds]

Good info Shade  coudln't have said it better myself. 
Ijust thought i'd warn to be warry of a LR surgery done stand alone.  A LAteral Release can not correct lateral tracking and/or subluxations and dislocations, it will only correct  a Lateral tilt of the patella.  Done under the right circumstances this surgery can be the perfect fix, done under the wrong circumstances it can start more problems ... going on and such if it isn't done for the correct reasons.  I wished i'd listened to other's here who told me that... But I was silly and had it done to both knees. Now I really wish I hadn't. But I trusted my surgeon and if you cant' trust them, who can you trust?
Goodluck and hope you get your knees sorted out soon.
Hugs
Linds

[shadehawk]

Linds,

Thanks, but this info was from the KNEEguru site.  Words like that never pop out of my mouth, wish that they did...HeHe..

Shade

[oldskiier]

I also have been told I need a lateral release, as well as arthroscopic scraping, on both knees.  The dr. said he could do both knees at once (if I have a good helper at home) and I'd be in immobilizer braces for a while, and would be off work a couple of weeks.  Does anyone suggest doing both at once?  I really dread doing it twice and am leaning toward the double procedure in order to get it over with all at once.

[shadehawk]

Hi,

Wow, a double LR - that seems like a bit much.  It might be a simple surgery for an OS, but the healing afterward can be a real long process.  Many on this board have had 2 LR surgeries, but do not think any had both at the same time.

I certainly would not contemplate something like that, it would be nearly impossible to get around.  Mike B had his several weeks apart, after he found his first knee felt a lot better, but both at once would be a gutsy move.

Let us know what you decide.

Shade

[Cid]

I have had both done but not at the same time.  I would not recommend doing them together.  My first one was a rough recovery and the second was a little better but still not any fun.  I had them done 4 months apart.  I highly suggest aggressive PT after each one and a commitment from you to keep it up.  Unfortunately for me my Ortho didn't do any Formal PT and I was back in OR 1 year later having more surgeries.  If he had prescribed PT or even given me direction I think I would have been a lot better off over the long haul. 

Ask a lot of questions and don't let them talk you into doing both at once if you think it would be overwhelming or too much.  Good luck whatever you decide.

Cid