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Benefits and Pitfalls of Lateral Patella Release

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Surgical Techniques in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Conclusion

Lateral release is a successful tool to provide soft tissue balance to the patellofemoral joint. Lateral release does have its limitations and will not substitute for poor surgical technique. We recommend preservation of this lateral superior genicular artery when possible, not only for patella avascularity, but also for the potential benefits with wound healing. Utilization of the all-inside technique not only allows for vessel identification, but also avoids a large lateral skin flap that could also interfere with wound healing.

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Cushner, F.D., Scott, W.N. (2002). Benefits and Pitfalls of Lateral Patella Release. In: Scuderi, G.R., Tria, A.J. (eds) Surgical Techniques in Total Knee Arthroplasty. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-21714-2_44

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-21714-2_44

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-98389-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-21714-7

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