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J Knee Surg 2020; 33(10): 958-965
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688961
Original Article

The Outcomes of Isolated Lateral Release in Patellofemoral Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Si Heng Sharon Tan
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Orthopaedic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
,
Chen Xi Kasia Chua
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Orthopaedic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
,
Chintan Doshi
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Orthopaedic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
,
Keng Lin Wong
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Orthopaedic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
,
Andrew Kean Seng Lim
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Orthopaedic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
,
James Hoipo Hui
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Orthopaedic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
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Abstract

There have been conflicting reports regarding the outcomes of lateral release when used in the management of patellofemoral instability. This systematic review and meta-analysis therefore aims to evaluate the outcomes of isolated lateral release in the management of patellofemoral instability. The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All studies that reported the outcomes of isolated lateral release for recurrent patellofemoral dislocations were included. A total of 10 publications were included, with 204 knees. All studies consistently reported a decrease in the rates of patellofemoral dislocation (odds ratio [OR] < 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: <0.01–0.01) and an increase in the odds of having a good outcome (OR 0.01; 95% CI: <0.01–0.02) after lateral release. All studies also consistently reported a similar number of patients participating in sports postoperatively as compared with preinjury (OR 2.78; 95% CI: 0.53–14.68). A total of 28 (14.1%) out of 198 patients had postoperative dislocation. Of these patients, 15 required a secondary procedure for patellofemoral realignment; however, all patients who had their eventual outcomes reported still had a good outcome postoperatively. Isolated lateral release can lead to good short- to middle-term outcomes when used in the management of recurrent patellofemoral dislocations. The procedure can lead to a significantly decreased rate of recurrence of patellofemoral dislocations, a significantly increased rate of good outcomes, and a similar number of patients being able to participate in sports as compared with the number of patients participating in sports prior to having patellofemoral dislocations. An isolated lateral release could therefore potentially serve as a simple and relatively low-risk procedure that could be performed as a first-line surgical management in selected patients with patellofemoral instability, allowing them to possibly avoid a more complex and major operation. This is a Level IV study.

Keywords

patellar instability - patellofemoral instability - lateral release


Publication History

Received: 06 November 2018

Accepted: 05 April 2019

Article published online:
25 May 2019

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