OBJECTIVES: We investigated the efficacy of diagnostic arthroscopy and mini-open lateral retinacular release in the treatment of excessive lateral compression syndrome. METHODS: Twenty patients (21 knees) with excessive lateral compression syndrome underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and longitudinal mini-open lateral retinacular release. The patients were comprised of four men and 16 women (mean age 48.6 years; range 21 to 60 years). The results were evaluated according to the Lysholm scoring system. Preoperative and postoperative congruence angles were compared on the tangential patella roentgenograms. Statistical analysis was made using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The mean follow-up was 10.5 months (range 3 to 18 months). RESULTS: The mean preoperative Lysholm score increased from 61.28 (range 29 to 76) to 85.57 (range 59 to 99) postoperatively. Only two patients (9%) exhibited decreases in the postoperative Lysholm scores. The mean preoperative congruence angle was +14.94 degrees. In all but two patients, the congruence angle was within normal ranges, with a mean correction of 12.42 degrees. None of the patients developed hemarthrosis postoperatively. Pain relief and functional recovery were achieved in 91% of patients. CONCLUSION: Lateral retinacular release and proper patellofemoral realignment may provide a successful outcome in patients presenting with anterior knee pain due to excessive lateral compression syndrome.
OBJECTIVES: We investigated the efficacy of diagnostic arthroscopy and mini-open lateral retinacular release in the treatment of excessive lateral compression syndrome. METHODS: Twenty patients (21 knees) with excessive lateral compression syndrome underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and longitudinal mini-open lateral retinacular release. The patients were comprised of four men and 16 women (mean age 48.6 years; range 21 to 60 years). The results were evaluated according to the Lysholm scoring system. Preoperative and postoperative congruence angles were compared on the tangential patella roentgenograms. Statistical analysis was made using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The mean follow-up was 10.5 months (range 3 to 18 months). RESULTS: The mean preoperative Lysholm score increased from 61.28 (range 29 to 76) to 85.57 (range 59 to 99) postoperatively. Only two patients (9%) exhibited decreases in the postoperative Lysholm scores. The mean preoperative congruence angle was +14.94 degrees. In all but two patients, the congruence angle was within normal ranges, with a mean correction of 12.42 degrees. None of the patients developed hemarthrosis postoperatively. Pain relief and functional recovery were achieved in 91% of patients. CONCLUSION: Lateral retinacular release and proper patellofemoral realignment may provide a successful outcome in patients presenting with anterior knee pain due to excessive lateral compression syndrome.