Influence of arthroscopic lateral release on functional recovery in adolescents with recurrent patellar dislocation

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. 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). 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. Arthroscopic lateral release successfully treats recurrent patellar dislocations in adolescents, influences functional recovery and improves knee function.