Influence of lateral release on patellar tracking and patellofemoral contact characteristics after total knee arthroplasty

The influence of lateral release of retinaculum on patellofemoral kinematics and contact characteristics after total knee arthroplasty was investigated in vitro. Lateral release altered the patellar tracking in patellar flexion, rotation, tilting, and translation. The contact force was decreased at high flexion angles. The contact area was slightly decreased and the contact region shifted laterally on the patellar button and medially on the femoral component at most of the flexion angles. The results suggest that the lateral release in total knee arthroplasty can change some patellar tracking and patellofemoral joint contact characteristics.