What is arthroscopic lateral release?
Arthroscopic lateral release refers to an arthroscopic procedure that incises the lateral stabilizing structures of the patella, in particular, the lateral retinaculum. The lateral retinaculum attaches the lateral patella to the lateral femoral epicondyle, the iliotibial band, and the anterolateral tibia.
What is the recovery time for lateral release surgery?
After lateral release surgery your rehabilitation may take from 3 to 6 months for a successful and full recovery. It is important not to return to high level activities too soon following your lateral release surgery as this will increase the risk of repeat problems and possible injury.
Is lateral release major surgery?
Lateral release is a minimally invasive surgery used to correct an excessive patellar tilt. It involves cutting through a tight retinaculum so that the kneecap can slip properly into its groove, thereby restoring its normal alignment.
How painful is lateral release surgery?
Crutches or a cane may be needed for a few days following lateral release surgery, but you can usually put your weight on your knee and begin walking. The pain typically feels like you bumped into a table.
How successful is lateral release surgery?
The success rate of the operation of lateral release for pain caused by the patella is reported as being between 14% and 99%. The choice between arthroscopic or open procedures does not seem to affect the results.
Why do you need a lateral release?
Lateral release surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is a procedure performed to realign the kneecap (patella). Typically, the lateral release is performed as an arthroscopic procedure in an outpatient setting. The goal of lateral release surgery is to relieve pain associated with a partially dislocated kneecap.
When can I drive after lateral release surgery?
Driving: Right knee patients and left knee patients with a standard transmission car cannot drive until out of the knee immobilizer, off all pain meds and can fully weight bear without pain. Airplane Flights: You may fly 2-3 weeks after surgery on short flights (under 2 hours), 6-8 weeks for longer flights.
What causes a lateral patellar tilt?
In the painful knee there is a tendency for the patella to tilt toward the outside of the knee. This occurs because of the chronic pull of the knee cap to the outside by the thigh muscles, creating a strain on the medical or inside tissues (the retinaculum).
How long is knee swelling after lateral release?
The gauze can be removed the day after the operation but the compression stocking should be worn during the day until your swelling reduces (usually about 2-4 weeks). Your knee usually becomes quite swollen. It can take 6-8 weeks for the swelling to settle. There may be some associated bruising.
How do you fix a lateral patellar tilt?
Most patellar tracking problems can be treated effectively without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment may include rest, regular stretching and strengthening exercises, taping or bracing the knee, using ice, and short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) .
When can I drive after lateral release?
Physical therapy is prescribed after surgery. This is an important part of your recovery and we encourage patients to attend all physical therapy appointments. Return to driving after surgery is okay once narcotic pain medication has been stopped and you are cleared by your surgeon.
Do I need a lateral release?
The most common reason for needing a lateral release is when your patella is out of place as a result of lateral patella tilt, lateral riding patella or a combination of both. Physiotherapy plays an important role in rehabilitation and recovery following lateral release surgery. Lateral patella tilt is when the knee cap is not sitting properly in the groove at the bottom of the thigh bone (femoral groove) and is tilted towards the outside (lateral) of the knee.
What is lateral patella release?
A lateral release is a surgical procedure to release tight capsular structures (lateral retinaculum) on the outer aspect (lateral aspect) of the kneecap (patella).
What is the CPT code for arthroscopic lateral release?
Use CPT code 29873 for Arthroscopic lateral release for patellar dislocations. From CPT coding prospective there are three knee compartments patellofemoral, medial, and lateral. Medical femoral condyle and lateral femoral condyle are part of medical and lateral compartments respectively.