The percutaneous lateral retinacular release.

This study reviews 34 of 37 original patients who were reviewed in 1981 after previously undergoing percutaneous lateral retinacular release. Short-term satisfactory results regarding reduction of pain and prevention of dislocation were maintained on this second followup (average, 48 months). With this increase in postoperative time, patients with recurrent subluxation developed an increase in patellar slipping. Patients with chondromalacia and degenerative joint disease are less suited for long-term treatment. Long-term problems occurred in 1 of 34 patients (3%).