The effect of lateral retinacular release in idiopathic chondromalacia patellae

Summary The results of lateral retinacular release were evaluated in 28 patients with idiopathic chondromalacia patellae. Follow-up was performed 3–5 years after the operation. At follow-up 13 patients were improved, while the symptoms were equal or intensified in 15 patients. However, compared with the situation before the operation, the levels of activity were increased in only two patients, while the levels of activity were unchanged or reduced in the remaining 26 patients. From this study it is concluded that the results of lateral retinacular release for idiopathic chondromalacia patellae are poor with regard to relief of symptoms, and especially with regard to improvement in ability to perform physical activities.     

The effect of lateral retinacular release in idiopathic chondromalacia patellae

The results of lateral retinacular release were evaluated in 28 patients with idiopathic chondromalacia patellae. Follow-up was performed 3-5 years after the operation. At follow-up 13 patients were improved, while the symptoms were equal or intensified in 15 patients. However, compared with the situation before the operation, the levels of activity were increased in only two patients, while the levels of activity were unchanged or reduced in the remaining 26 patients. From this study it is concluded that the results of lateral retinacular release for idiopathic chondromalacia patellae are poor with regard to relief of symptoms, and especially with regard to improvement in ability to perform physical activities.     

关节镜下射频汽化结合髌骨周围钻孔减压治疗髌骨软骨病

目的: 研究射频汽化结合髌骨钻孔减压在治疗髌骨软骨病变中的临床效果。方法: 利用ArthroCare2000射频汽化仪对 56例髌骨软骨病变患者行损伤的软骨面修整, 髌骨周缘滑膜清理; 直径 2~2. 5mm克氏针, 自髌骨两侧缘向髌骨内钻孔减压。9例同时行外侧支持带松解。结果: 随访 6个月~2年 10个月, 平均 1年 7个月。术后患者疼痛症状明显缓解。Lysholm评分由术前平均 56分提高到术后平均 91分。结论: 射频汽化仪治疗精确, 最大限度地保留了未受损伤的软骨组织; 联合髌骨钻孔减压治疗髌骨软骨病变效果良好, 术后康复快。     

Lateral retinacular release of the patella

From October 1977 through January 1984, 2,330 arthroscopic procedures of the knee were performed by one of the authors (G.J.S.). Among these procedures, 35 lateral retinacular releases were performed through minimal, lateral incisions. Twenty-two knees in 22 patients were available for follow-up evaluation, and these cases were reviewed retrospectively. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 22.6 years. The average follow-up period was 48 months. The patients were divided into three subgroups on the basis of their preoperative diagnosis. Group I (eight knees) had a history of patellar dislocations; group II (seven knees) had recurrent patellar subluxation, identified by history and physical and radiographic examinations; and group III (seven knees) had patellar pain without a history of dislocations or subluxation and with no symptoms of instability. All of these patients underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and lateral retinacular release, as well as arthroscopic treatment of associated pathology. Postoperatively and at the time of followup, all patients were evaluated for pain, function and patellar instability. In 15 patients with a history of patellar dislocation or subluxation, 67% were found to have had significant improvement in their symptoms, which was borne out by the findings during physical examination. None was worse following treatment. Among the seven patients with no history of patellar dislocation or subluxation, only one of the seven had a satisfactory result. Based upon the findings of this study, it was concluded that arthroscopic lateral retinacular release is a reasonable, initial step in the surgical treatment of patellar dislocation or subluxation, resistant to conservative treatment. Its efficacy in cases of recalcitrant patellar pain without a history of instability is doubtful.     

Proximal "tube" realignment of the patella for chondromalacia patellae

In young people complaining of patellar pain there is often an anatomic basis (an increased quadriceps angle or a high-riding patella). Forty-eight knees with one or other of these abnormalities underwent proximal quadriceps realignment. The results were excellent or good in 94%. Shaving of chondromalacic cartilage was also done in 11 knees but did not seem to improve the results, and is not now recommended except for "blister" lesions. Extensor mechanism dysplasia is an etiologically correct name for the disorder and therefore preferable to "chondromalacia patellae."     

Recurrent dislocation of patella following lateral retinacular release. A case report

A case is presented with several total dislocations of patella after an operative lateral retinacular release for chondromalacia patellae. The patient, a 27-year-old woman, had no history of preoperative luxations or subluxations. She had, however, a Q-angle of 20 degrees--a fact that may have been significant in the pathogenesis.     

关节镜下外侧支持带松解、内侧紧缩与髌股韧带重建治疗复发性髌骨脱位

目的探讨关节镜下外侧支持带松解、内侧紧缩与髌股韧带重建在治疗复发性髌骨脱位中的临床疗效。方法笔者自2011-05—2014-05诊治32例复发性髌骨脱位。术前均未行手术治疗,常规测量Q角和CT片中TT-TG值。比较手术前后Lysholm和IKDC评分。结果所有患者获得平均18(13~30)个月随访,无一例出现髌骨脱位复发,术后切口均一期愈合。术后Lysholm膝关节功能综合评分为(94.23±8.38)分,术前为(48.25±6.92)分,手术前后Lysholm评分比较差异有统计学意义(t=36.80,P0.001);术后IKDC膝关节主观功能评分为(93.20±5.33)分,与术前(35.57±5.10)分比较差异有统计学意义(t=47.23,P0.001)。结论关节镜下外侧支持带松解、内侧紧缩与髌股韧带重建治疗复发性髌骨脱位疗效确切,操作简便,可早期进行功能锻炼,有利于膝关节功能的恢复,值得临床推广。     

Lateral retinacular release for intractable lateral retinacular pain

Lateral retinacular release was performed in a series of patients with intractable lateral retinacular pain characterized by tenderness localized in some portion of the lateral retinaculum. Patients with other patellofemoral problems were excluded. Of 14 knees, 79% responded favorably. Lateral retinacular release may be best indicated in patients with less severe malalignment of the patella and intractable pain in the lateral retinaculum.     

关节镜下内侧紧缩及外侧松解加半髌腱止点移位术治疗复发性髌骨脱位

目的 评价微创关节镜下外侧松解、内侧紧缩、半髌腱止点移位术的三联手术方案治疗复发性髌骨脱位的临床疗效.方法 以1998～2008年收治的71例（77膝）复发性髌骨脱位患者为研究对象,入选标准为：胫骨骨骺已经闭合,且股骨滑车沟无严重发育不良和严重膝外翻畸形.男11例,女60例;平均年龄19.5岁,67例有明确外伤史.术前测量Q角.Merchant位X片上测量股骨滑车沟角、髌骨-股骨滑车适合角,髌股外侧角.CT平扫测量股骨髁滑车凹中心与胫骨结节水平距离（TT TG）.术中采用外侧松解、内侧紧缩和半髌腱止点移位三联手术方案.结果 2例（2膝）失访,69例（75膝）术后随访2～12年,平均5.2年.除早期1例患者在术后2个月再次发生髌骨脱位外,其余病例术后髌骨脱位未见复发.术前髌骨-股骨滑车适合角（24.2°±6.8°）,术后为（-2.1°±5.8°）（P〈0.05）;术前髌股外侧角（-2.0°±5.2°）,术后为（10.9°±4.0°）（P〈0.05）;术前TT TG平均为（19.8±2.1） mm,术后为（13.6±1.8） mm （P〈0.01）.术前Lysholm评分和IKDC评分分别由术前的（45.6±4.8）、（48.3±6.8）分,提高到术后的（92.3±10.8）分 （P〈0.05）和（94.3±8.4）分（P〈0.05）;术前测量Q角男性平均为（13.2°±3.1°）,术后平均为（9.2°±2.8°）（P〈0.05）;女性平均为（21.0°±5.2°）,术后平均为（15.4°±4.4°）（P〈0.05）.结论 关节镜下外侧松解、内侧紧缩缝合、半髌腱移位术的综合手术方案治疗复发性髌骨脱位创伤较小,疗效确切,术后患者膝关节功能改善明显,手术操作简便,易于掌握.     

关节镜下外侧支持带松解治疗髌骨外侧高压综合征

目的探讨关节镜下外侧支持带松解治疗髌骨外侧高压综合征的效果和临床意义.方法采用关节镜下外侧支持带松解术治疗39例(51膝)髌骨外侧高压综合征.男1例(1膝),女38例(50膝);单膝27例,双膝12例;平均年龄49.6岁(28～71岁).临床症状以髌股关节钝痛为特点,疼痛位置不易确定,髌股关节负荷过度的活动会使疼痛加重.物理检查见Q角增大(＞20°)45膝,髌软骨外侧小面抠触痛50膝,外侧支持带压痛39膝,被动髌骨倾斜试验阳性51膝,内外侧滑动试验阳性49膝,压髌试验阳性51膝.X线检查轴位片见髌股对合角异常32膝.术中在关节镜监视下,用射频汽化钩刀松解外侧支持带,必要时可向近端扩大松解范围,切断部分股外侧肌,达到完全松解.结果术后所有病例均得到随访,平均随访14.5个月(3～26个月).疗效评定参照改良Lysholm评分标准,优37膝,良12膝,可2膝.Lysholm评分从术前平均(62.04±5.98)分(49～75分)提高到术后平均(93.71±3.55)分(86～100分),有显著性差异(t=6.63,P＜0.001).髌股对合角异常的32膝中术后有30膝髌股对合角恢复正常(94%).术后5膝有血肿形成(10%).结论关节镜下外侧支持带松解是一种微创的软组织平衡手术,能够有效地缓解髌骨外侧高压综合征引起的髌股关节疼痛,且并发症较少.     

A technique for lateral retinacular release

The following article does not intend to present indications or contraindications for lateral retinacular release as a therapeutic measure; it presents a simple, effective method of doing a complete lateral retinacular release with a minimal degree of effort for the surgeon, if he or she decides on release as a therapeutic measure. A carefully designed scissors that allows a complete release of the lateral retinaculum in a matter of moments is described, as well as a basic technique for a complete release. This method has given the author satisfactory release in all cases, with a minimal degree of complications. The instrumentation is basic, effective, and readily available.     

关节清理术结合外侧支持带松解治疗膝关节骨关节炎

目的 探讨关节镜下关节清理术结合外侧支持带松解治疗膝关节骨关节炎的方法及其效果.方法 对34例伴有髌股关节对线不良的膝关节骨关节炎患者进行关节清理术结合外侧支持带松解.结果 34例获6个月～2年随访,参照Lysholm膝关节评分标准:85分以上26例,70～85分7例,65分1例.结论 关节清理术结合外侧支持带松解治疗伴有髌股关节对线不良的膝关节骨关节炎具有肯定的疗效.     

The arthroscopic treatment of chondromalacia patellae

Three hundred and nineteen patients who had chondromalacia patellae and persistent patellofemoral pain after six months of conservative management underwent arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery. The results in four aetiological groups were reviewed at one year and five years after operation. Morbidity was minimal. Lavage produced early remission in all groups. Shaving offered a particular advantage in the post-traumatic group. Lateral release plus shaving and lavage was beneficial in the group with maltracking patellae and in half of the idiopathic group. In the group with unstable patellae, lateral release produced good results in only one in four patients. In conclusion, we consider that arthroscopic surgery has a useful role to play in the management of chondromalacia patellae.     

Arthroscopic treatment of posttraumatic chondromalacia patellae

An arthroscopic procedure of excision of damaged cartilage and drilling the subchondral bone plate for treatment of chondromalacia patellae is described. Satisfactory results and absence of major complications are reported in a preliminary, short-term series of 24 cases of symptomatic posttraumatic chondromalacia patellae, with a mean follow up of 12 months.     

关节镜下髌骨外侧支持带松解术治疗髌骨外侧高压综合征

目的 探讨关节镜下髌骨外侧支持带松解术治疗髌骨外侧高压综合征(ELPS)的临床疗效.方法 对42例经非手术治疗无效的ELPS患者行关节镜辅助下经皮髌骨外侧支持带松解手术,术后积极康复训练.结果 42例均获得随访,时间12～19(15±2.3)个月.Lysholm评分:优26例,良9例,可5例,差2例,优良率83.3%,患者主观满意率为95.2%.Lysholm评分从术前52～74(65.08±4.26)分提高到术后62～100(92.38±2.76)分,差异有统计学意义(t=5.98,P＜0.05).结论 关节镜下髌骨外侧支持带松解术治疗ELPS具有操作简单、创伤小的优点.能否获得满意的疗效取决于四个方面:术前正确评估、严格手术适应证、正确手术操作及术后康复训练.     

Historical perspectives of chondromalacia patellae.

Widespread misuse of the term chondromalacia has led to confusion regarding its true meaning. This term should not be used to diagnose patellofemoral pain, but to describe lesions of articular cartilage. Recent advances using stereophotogrammetry to evaluate the patellofemoral joint and its articular cartilage may lead to new insight into the etiology of these lesions.     

Low level laser treatment of chondromalacia patellae

Summary A randomized, double blind study of low level laser treatment of chondromalacia of the patella in 40 patients has been undertaken. Chondromalacia was established by arthroscopy and was related to subjective symptoms. Eight treatments were given during five weeks by a physiotherapist with the use of a GAAS pulsed laser, real or sham. Assessment of the location, quality and intensity of pain, and the influence on mood, gait, sleep, work, and sports was made before and after treatment including an eight to twelve week evaluation. No statistical difference was found between real and sham use of low level laser for the symptoms of chondromalacia of the patella.

---

Résumé On a réalisé chez 10 malades une étude randomisée, à double insu, du traitement de la chondropathie de la rotule par laser de basse intensité. Le diagnostic avait été confirmé par arthroscopie, en présence d'une symptomatologie subjective. Huit séances de traitement ont été effectuées pendant cinq semaines par un physiothérapeute utilisant un laser alternatif GAAS, réel ou simulé. Une évaluation du siège, du type et de l'intensité de la douleur ainsi que de l'influence de l'humeur, de la marche, du sommeil, du travail et de l'activité sportive a été faite avant et après traitement. Aucune différence statistiquement valable n'a pu être mise en évidence entre l'effet d'un laser réel ou simulé vis à vis des symptômes de la chondropathie rotulienne.