Clinical prognosticators for the efficacy of retinacular release surgery

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to treat patellofemoral pain. Gecha SR. Torg JS. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104. Clin Orthop. (253):203-8, 1990 Apr. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify clinical, pathologic, and roentgenographic factors that might serve as prognosticators for acceptable results after a lateral retinacular release for treatment of patellofemoral pain unresponsive to conservative measures. Fifty-two knees in 45 patients were studied. The data indicated that acceptable results can be expected in patients who have a negative mal-loose sign (no evidence of patellar malalignment or hyperlaxity) or a positive Sage sign (tight lateral parapatellar soft-tissue structures). Poorer results are predictable in patients with patellar hypermobility.