Correcting lateral patellar tilt at the time of total knee arthroplasty can result in overuse of lateral release.

Ninety-nine patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty were prospectively evaluated for pre-resurfacing and post-resurfacing patellar thickness and medial patellar liftoff at 30 degrees of flexion without manual pressure on the patella. Regardless of medial patellar liftoff, no lateral releases were performed. Tibiofemoral angles, patellar tilt, and patellar congruence angles were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.