Recurrent patella dislocation treated by closed lateral retinacular release.

This study describes the results of treating selected patients suffering from recurrent dislocation of the patella, with closed lateral retinacular release. Thirty-nine patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up time of 28 months. Thirty patients were substantially improved by the procedure, two patients had sustained a further dislocation. The major complication--haemarthrosis--occurred in four patients. These results compare favourably with those achieved by major realignment procedures. So lateral retinacular release is an effective treatment for selected patients with recurrent patella dislocation, and it offers distinct advantages over other procedures.