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Complications in Brief: Arthroscopic Lateral Release

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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

Abstract

Arthroscopic lateral release refers to an arthroscopic procedure that incises the lateral stabilizing structures of the patella, in particular, the lateral retinaculum. The lateral retinaculum attaches the lateral patella to the lateral femoral epicondyle, the iliotibial band, and the anterolateral tibia. Arthroscopic lateral release rarely is performed as an isolated procedure and rather is generally performed in combination with medially based stabilization procedures to more effectively allow for medial realignment. The procedure is relatively simple and straightforward, but, if not done for the appropriate indications or if done technically poorly, either it will not achieve the desired result or it may result in additional pain, instability, and weakness. This In Brief article provides an overview of potential complications of lateral release.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fondren Orthopedic Group, 7401 South Main St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Hussein Elkousy MD

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  1. Hussein Elkousy MD
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Correspondence to Hussein Elkousy MD.

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Each author certifies that he or she, or a member of their immediate family, has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request.

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Elkousy, H. Complications in Brief: Arthroscopic Lateral Release. Clin Orthop Relat Res 470, 2949–2953 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-012-2383-7

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