Hemarthrosis as a major complication after arthroscopic subcutaneous lateral retinacular release: a prospective study.

The use of arthroscopic lateral release and medial imbrication of the vastus medialis obliquus for recurrent dislocation of the patella was evaluated prospectively in 31 patients. Patients were examined clinically as well as radiologically; the average length of follow-up was 34.4 months. Seventy-one percent of the patients were satisfied with the operative result. Seven patients experienced redislocation of the patella. Postoperative effusion occurred in 13 (42%) patients, with 4 patients requiring aspiration and 3 patients requiring open revision because of hemarthrosis. Seven patients developed a long-lasting stiffness of the joint following a 3-week period of immobilization with a dorsal plaster splint of the whole leg.