Lateral release and proximal realignment for patellofemoral malalignment: A prospective study of 40 knees in 36 adolescents followed for 1-8 years

Abstract

We performed lateral release and proximal realignment for painful patellofemoral malalignment in 36 adolescents (40 knees), with a mean age of 14 (9-16) years. The mean follow-up was 4 (1-8) years. The subjective outcome was excellent in 20 knees, good in 13, fair in 5, and poor in 2. The mean radiographic correction of the lateral patellar shift was 75%, and of the tilting angle of the patella 27%. There was a positive association between the realignment effect and the subjective outcome.