Pitfalls of the lateral retinacular release.

The treatment of patellofemoral pain is fraught with pitfalls; however, most of these pitfalls can be recognized. Results of LRR in appropriate circumstances are reasonably good, and the complications are acceptably low. Risk factors for poor results are identifiable, and avoidance of the common complications are necessary to achieve reliable results. Cases of persistent pain after LRR must be approached in a thorough and orderly fashion. There should be clear indications and cautious expectations for the success of subsequent procedures.