LATERAL RELEASE AND PROXIMAL REALIGNMENT FOR PATELLOFEMORAL MALALIGNMENT - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF 40 KNEES IN 36 ADOLESCENTS FOLLOWED FOR 1-8 YEARS

We performed lateral release and proximal realignment for painful pate llofemoral malalignment in 36 adolescents (40 knees), with a mean age of 14(9-16) years. The mean follow-up was 4 (1-8) years. The subjectiv e outcome was excellent in 20 knees, good in 13, fair in 5, and poor i n 2. The mean radiographic correction of the lateral patellar shift wa s 75%, and of the tilting angle of the patella 27%. There was a positi ve association between the realignment effect and the subjective outco me.