Editorial Commentary: Handling the (Contact) Pressure in Patellofemoral Surgery: The Role of Lateral Retinacular Release

The role of lateral retinacular release for the treatment of patellofemoral pathology has evolved over the years. Although once popularized in the treatment of patellofemoral pain and instability, complications such as iatrogenic medial patellar instability and decreases in lateral patellar stability have limited the indications for performing isolated lateral release. However, there exists a need for more clearly defined parameters and understanding of when and how lateral release should be incorporated with other procedures during patellar stabilization and joint-preservation surgery. Advances in finite element analysis, as well as refining our surgical indications and techniques for concurrent lateral release, will allow us to optimize both joint pressures and stability during the surgical management of patellar instability.