Surgery Date is Set

Surgery Date is Set: August 1
Mood: NERVOUS
Mind Set: not here at all
Facial expression: Sad Face




Left Knee Arthroscopic with a Lateral Retinacular Release and Patella Shaving

That is what my surgery is called .....is a procedure performed to correct problems with the patella (kneecap)..... It is performed arthroscopically, which means that the interior of the knee joint is examined using an endoscope that is inserted through 4 portal incision.

Lateral release is performed when the patella becomes misaligned and does not track properly. Tightness in the lateral retinaculum, a tissue in the knee similar to rawhide, usually causes this condition. Some patients have a genetic predisposition to retinacular tightness and laterally riding patellae. Other patients misaligned their patellae with a twisting injury or a blow to the kneecap. When the patellae are injured in this way, the retinaculum shrinks and gets tough, which causes the kneecap to fall off track.

Procedure
Lateral release involves cutting the tight lateral ligaments to allow for normal tracking of the patella. The orthopedic surgeon first makes a small incision in the retinaculum through the arthroscope. He then cuts the tight ligaments on the outside (lateral side) of the patella to allow it to slide toward the center of the femoral groove. These ligaments eventually heal with scar tissue that fills in the gap created by the surgery. The patella is then shaved down to make a perfect fit in the femoral groove. Lateral release surgery takes 60 to 85 minutes.

Recovery
The patient will need to use crutches for at least twelve days after surgery. To ensure speedy recovery, rest is required. Activity should be limited to light household activities for the first twelve days. After this period, movement can be gradually increased according to doctor’s orders.

Soon after surgery, the patient begins a period of physical therapy that usually lasts 12 to 16 weeks, depending on individual progress. Most patients can resume normal activities at this time, although complete recovery takes six months to one year.

Complications/Risks
Complications may arise due to unexpected bleeding in the joint following surgery, overly intense physical therapy, or unanticipated severe joint abnormality.