Introduction: The aim of this study is to prove the influence of the arthroscopic lateral release on functional recovery in adolescents with recurrent lateral dislocation of patella.
Materials and methods: From 2006 to 2009, arthroscopic release of the lateral retinaculum was done on 27 adolescent patients (24 women, 3 men) and 33 knees (in 6 patients on both knees). All of them were active in different sports. The severity of patellar subluxation and dislocation was analysed on X-ray; the Q angle, congruence angle, sulcus angle, patellofemoral angle and height ratio were measured. Functional scores (Lysholm, Kujala, Tegner) were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. The average duration of clinical and X-ray follow-up was 4.5 years (range 3-6 years).
Results: The mean age of the patients was 14.56 years (range 11-18 years). There was an average of 4.16 dislocations (range 2-28 dislocations) before surgery. The mean Lysholm score improved from 64 to 95 (p = 0.0002), and the mean Kujala score improved from 66 to 94 (p < 0.0001). Congruence angle and lateral patellofemoral angle improved but without any significant differences.
Conclusion: Arthroscopic lateral release successfully treats recurrent patellar dislocations in adolescents, influences functional recovery and improves knee function.