Lateral release surgery for patellar tracking disorder

One cause of patellar tracking disorder is a tight lateral retinaculum, a ligament complex that anchors the outer edge of the patella. See an illustration of the ligaments of the knee .

If your patella is being pulled to the side by a tight lateral retinaculum, a surgeon may recommend a lateral release. This procedure, performed arthroscopically, cuts the lateral retinaculum.

Lateral release surgery is appropriate for only a small fraction of people with patellar tracking disorder, and may be used more often than is necessary.¹ Before considering this surgery, first treat your knee problem with a few months of stretching and strengthening exercises, along with rest from aggravating activities. You and your health professional will want to be absolutely certain that your patellar problem is severe enough to merit surgery and that it is not due to other common causes of patellar tracking disorder.

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: February 14, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma
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