Lateral Release Knee Surgery

About

Lateral release knee surgery is done to treat patella maltracking caused by tightness in the structures on the outer side of the kneecap.

This tightness can pull the kneecap out of its normal resting place and cause it to sit at an angle, both of which can cause anterior knee pain and instability.

Lateral release surgery involves releasing the tight retinaculum on the outer side of the kneecap. This helps to realign the patella so it sits in the center of its groove, allows it to move smoothly, and alleviates pain and stiffness.

(From https://www.knee-pain-explained.com/lateral-release.html)