Comparative Study between the Group with Lateral Retinacular Release and the Group without Lateral Retinacular Release Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We compared the results of total knee arthroplasties combined with lateral retinacular release with those without lateral retinacular release. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results of 277 total knee arthroplasties from 1996 to 2002, follow up for at least one year ( average follow-up periods 32 months). Lateral retinacular release was performed in 190 knees (70.1%) and not performed in 87 knees (29.9%). The clinical results of total knee arthroplasties were evaluated by the Knee Scoring System of hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and range of motion. The patello-femoral complications were evaluated by tilt and displacement of patella at the last follow-up Hughston 's view. Osteonecrosis and fracture of patella were evaluated by simple x-ray. RESULTS: HSS score and range of motion improved postoperatively in both groups, but there was no sig-nificant difference between the two groups. There were 3 cases (3.4%) with patellar subluxations and 1 case (1.1%) with patellar dislocation in the group without lateral retinacular release. There was no avascu-lar necrosis or fracture of patella in either group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that lateral retinacular release can be performed without great risk of potential patellar complications in total knee arthroplasties requiring lateral retinacular release for proper patellar tracking.