[Significance of the splitting of the lateral patellar retinaculum and the mediopatellar synovial fold in the surgical therapy of patellar chondromalacia].

Using strain gauges we investigated proximal-distal and lateral-medial strain of the dorsum patellae before and after cutting of the lateral retinaculum and the plica mediopatellaris under flexion. Lateral-medial strain was abolished by the lateral release for the larger part and by cutting of the plica for a smaller part. Proximal-distal strain was not changed in any case. Therefore we conclude that the operation will only lead to a medial positioning, but not to a loosening of the extension apparat of the knee.