Lateral retinacular release for intractable lateral retinacular pain.

Lateral retinacular release was performed in a series of patients with intractable lateral retinacular pain characterized by tenderness localized in some portion of the lateral retinaculum. Patients with other patellofemoral problems were excluded. Of 14 knees, 79% responded favorably. Lateral retinacular release may be best indicated in patients with less severe malalignment of the patella and intractable pain in the lateral retinaculum.