Early results of arthroscopic lateral retinacular release in patellofemoral osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to define the postoperative course of middle-aged and elderly patients with patellar chondral lesions after lateral retinacular release and joint debridement. Thirty-five patients in their fifth to seventh decades with Grades 2–4 chondral lesions of the patellofemoral joint, with no patellar instability or severe malalignment, underwent lateral retinacular release and patellofemoral joint debridement by bipolar radiofrequency. Both VAS and WOMAC scores in all three lesion grades were significantly reduced postoperatively. The greatest decrease was observed in the first visit at 3 months, and the pain level continued at about the same level over the next 24 months without significant changes. There were no significant differences between the three lesion grades with respect to changes in VAS scores at each visit. Thermal lateral retinacular release improves the subjective condition of the patient by reducing pain, especially in the postoperative first 3 months.