Lateral retinacular release for patellofemoral pain in the older patient.

Lateral release for patellofemoral pain was performed on 39 knees in 34 patients aged greater than or equal to 30 years. At a mean follow-up of 6 years, there were 56% good or excellent results. Only 20% of patients did not achieve any benefit from the procedure. Although these results may not be as good as in the younger patient, this low morbidity procedure is nevertheless useful in the management of the older patient with patellofemoral malalignment.