Patellar instability: treatment by arthroscopic electrosurgical lateral release.

We reviewed the results of arthroscopic lateral release using electrosurgery in 39 patients (45 knees) with a history of recurrent patellar subluxation or dislocation. The average follow-up time was 28 months (range, 24-36). At follow-up, the patients had decreased swelling, instability, and pain. There was an improvement in flexion activities, sports participation, and overall functional ability. Only 20% of the knees had completely normal physical findings: 11.1% of the knees were rated as excellent; 64.4% were improved; and 24.5% were poor. Dislocators had more frequent poor results. The complication rate was 4.4%. There were no postoperative hemathroses. One patient was considered a surgical failure. The technique yields results comparable with those of open extensor realignment procedures and avoids the complications inherent to lateral release in general. The place for this procedure in patellar instability is well-documented.