The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · Oct 2003
Mesh expansion release of the lateral patellar retinaculum during total knee arthroplasty.
Release of the lateral patellar retinaculum can be used to treat patellofemoral instability and to balance the extensor mechanism during knee replacement operations. However, conventional lateral release disrupts the integrity of the lateral knee capsule, may damage the blood supply to the patella, and is associated with several other potential complications. Mesh expansion release of the lateral patellar retinaculum was developed to achieve the goal of lateral release and to reduce the potential for postoperative morbidity. ⋯ Mesh expansion release of the lateral patellar retinaculum effectively balanced the patellofemoral joint during total knee arthroplasty, maintained the integrity of the lateral capsule, and preserved the lateral genicular blood supply.