Question - Lateral Release (recurrence of instability)

by Lisa
(upland,ca,usa)

I have had this surgery 4 years ago and my knee was fine for a few years but now it is back in the same situation i was in before. My patella is dislocating all over again. Is it possible for this surgery to reverse itself.

Whats the next step now?

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Question - Lateral Release (recurrence of instability)

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Sep 07, 2008
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Next Step after lateral release
by: Bart - SII

If you are having instability issues, then a lateral release is likely not your best option for surgery. You should recheck with your doctor and discuss stability procedures for your patella - this usually involves tightening of the patella retinaculum on the medial side of the knee to prevent the dislocations. Along with this, a comprehensive rehab program that focuses on hip and core strengthening is essential for a full recovery.

Bart

Sep 08, 2008
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thanks..
by: lisa

thanks for your thoughts but as i wrote above, i have already had the surgery and done the therapy. i had the surgery four years ago and it worked for alittle over 3 years. and has stopped working...

Sep 08, 2008
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Different Procedure
by: Bart - SII

Your next step, as I suggested, is to talk with your physician about surgical intervention to improve the stability of the patella.Not another lateral release, but a stability procedure such as medial reefing or medial patellar ligament reconstruction. These procedures work to tighten the patellar tissues, reducing dislocations. You have had the lateral release and the therapy, which helped some, but if you are having recurrent dislocations, you have a patella stability problem and that needs to be addressed.

Sorry for the confusion.

Bart