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Effects of lateral retinacular release on the lateral stability of the patella

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

The objective of this cadaveric study was to evaluate quantitatively the effects of lateral retinacular release on the lateral stability of the patella. A materials testing machine was used to displace the patella of seven cadaveric specimens 10 mm laterally while measuring the required force, with 175 N quadriceps tension. The patella was connected via a ball-bearing patellar mounting 10 mm deep to the anterior surface to allow rotations. Patellar force--displacement behaviour was tested from 0° to 60° knee flexion. At 0°, 10° and 20° flexion the mean force required to displace the patella 10 mm laterally was reduced significantly due to lateral retinacular release, by 16–19%. The average force required to displace the patella was also reduced for larger flexion angles, although this was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that lateral retinacular release may not be appropriate in treatment of patellar lateral instability.

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Acknowledgements

Mr Christoforakis was supported by an Ealing Hospital Knee Fellowship, Drs Bull and Senavongse were supported by the Arthritis Research Campaign. The Instron machine was donated by the Arthritis Research Campaign. We also thank the Pathology Department and Patient Affairs Office of Ealing Hospital.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Creta Interclinic Hospital, University Hospital of Heraklion, 47 Filipoupoleos Street, 71305, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    J. Christoforakis

  2. Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Mechanical Engineering Building, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK

    A. M. J. Bull

  3. London Institute of Musculoskeletal Surgery, Ravenscourt Park Hospital, London, UK

    R. K. Strachan

  4. Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK

    R. Shymkiw

  5. Department of Electrical Engineering, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, 10520, Bangkok, Thailand

    W. Senavongse

  6. Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Musculoskeletal Surgery, Biomechanics Section, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK

    A. A. Amis

Authors
  1. J. Christoforakis
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  2. A. M. J. Bull
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  3. R. K. Strachan
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  4. R. Shymkiw
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  5. W. Senavongse
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  6. A. A. Amis
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. A. Amis.

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Christoforakis, J., Bull, A.M.J., Strachan, R.K. et al. Effects of lateral retinacular release on the lateral stability of the patella. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 14, 273–277 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-005-0699-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-005-0699-5

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