J Korean Knee Soc.  2004 Jun;16(1):44-50.

Comparative Study between the Group with Lateral Retinacular Release and the Group without Lateral Retinacular Release Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

• Seo JS
• Min HJ
• Yoon US
• Kim HS
• Kim YJ
• Lee YJ

Abstract

PURPOSE: We compared the results of total knee arthroplasties combined with lateral retinacular release with those without lateral retinacular release.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Results of 277 total knee arthroplasties from 1996 to 2002, follow up for at least one year ( average follow-up periods : 32 months). Lateral retinacular release was performed in 190 knees (70.1%) and not performed in 87 knees (29.9%). The clinical results of total knee arthroplasties were evaluated by the Knee Scoring System of hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and range of motion. The patello-femoral complications were evaluated by tilt and displacement of patella at the last follow-up Hughston 's view. Osteonecrosis and fracture of patella were evaluated by simple x-ray.
RESULTS
HSS score and range of motion improved postoperatively in both groups, but there was no sig-nificant difference between the two groups. There were 3 cases (3.4%) with patellar subluxations and 1 case (1.1%) with patellar dislocation in the group without lateral retinacular release. There was no avascu-lar necrosis or fracture of patella in either group.
CONCLUSION
We suggest that lateral retinacular release can be performed without great risk of potential patellar complications in total knee arthroplasties requiring lateral retinacular release for proper patellar tracking.

Keyword

Total knee arthroplasty; Lateral retinacular release; Patellofemoral complication

MeSH Terms

Arthroplasty*
Follow-Up Studies
Knee*
Necrosis
Osteonecrosis
Patella
Patellar Dislocation
Range of Motion, Articular