Lateral Release Surgery for Patellar Tracking Disorder
Topic Overview
One cause of
patellar tracking disorder is a tight lateral
retinaculum, a
ligament complex that anchors the outer edge of the
patella. See a picture 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, often
done by
arthroscopic surgery, cuts the lateral
retinaculum.
Most people with patellar tracking disorder get better without surgery. They get better by doing strengthening and stretching exercises for a few months. And they avoid activities that make the knee worse. Surgery is usually done only when all other treatments have not worked. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.1
References
Citations
- Mercier LR (2008). The knee. In Practical Orthopedics, 6th ed, pp. 215–251. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery |
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| Last Revised | January 9, 2012 |
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Last Revised:
January 9, 2012
Mercier LR (2008). The knee. In Practical Orthopedics, 6th ed, pp. 215–251. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier.
