Long-term functional outcome after lateral patellar retinacular release in adolescents: an observational cohort study with minimum 5-year follow-up.

Background: Lateral patellar retinacular release has been recommended for patients with patellar tilt, tight lateral retinaculum, patellar subluxation, patellar dislocation, and patellofemoral pain. Studies of long-term outcomes after lateral release are limited, especially for differing indications.

Hypothesis: Adolescents do well after lateral retinacular release in the 5- to 22-year time frame.