The effect of lateral retinacular release in idiopathic chondromalacia patellae

✍ Scribed by K. Unneberg; O. Reikerås

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1988
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 177 KB
• Volume: 107
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1434-3916
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00449673

✦ Synopsis

Sunmmnary

The results of lateral retinacular release were evaluated in 28 patients with idiopathic chondromalacia patellae Follow-up was performed 3-5 years after the operation At follow-up 13 patients were improved, while the symptoms were equal or intensified in 15 patients However, compared with the situation before the operation, the levels of activity were increased in only two patients, while the levels of activity were unchanged or reduced in the remaining 26 patients From this study it is concluded that the results of lateral retinacular release for idiopathic chondromalacia patellae are poor with regard to relief of symptoms, and especially with regard to improvement in ability to perform physical activities.

Chondromalacia patellae is characterized by softening and fissuring of the undersurface of the patella and by retropatellar pain evoked by activities which load the patellofemoral joint l 3, 15 l It may be the consequence of malalignment of the extensor mechanism of the knee, i e , valgus knee, external tibial torsion, or increased quadriceps (Q) angle l 3, 8, 9, 15 l In many cases, however, there are no obvious factors behind the condition l 7, 8 l It has been suggested that idiopathic chondromalacia patellae is a manifestation of excessive lateral pull of the capsule to compression of the patella as it moves through the patellofemoral groove l 1, 4, 12 l For this reason, release of the tissue lateral to the patella has been recommended as a rational approach to the condition l 1, 12, 13 l Theoretically, this could lessen the com-