Clinical outcome of arthroscopic lateral retinacular release for symptomatic bipartite patella in athletes

Purpose: To report the results of arthroscopic lateral retinacular release without excision of the accessory fragment for treatment of symptomatic bipartite patella with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of symptomatic type III bipartite patella confirmed by radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging and treated with arthroscopic lateral release from 2005 to 2015. Patients with history of knee fractures or surgery, concomitant meniscal or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) procedures, and severe arthritic changes of the patellofemoral joint were excluded. Patients were assessed by Kujala score, visual analog scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), and time to return to sporting activities. Results: Ten patients (11 knees) were clinically reassessed after 69.6 33.3 (range: 25-132; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 47.29-91.99) months from surgery. There was a significant improvement in Kujala (P < .05) and VAS scores (P < .05), and no differences were found between pre- and postoperative TAS scores (P > .05). No complications occurred during the follow-up period. All patients returned to sport after 42.3 11.3 (range: 30-60; 95% CI: 34.71-49.84) days after surgery. Conclusions: The arthroscopic lateral retinacular release of a symptomatic type III bipartite patella without excision of the accessory fragment allowed early return to sporting activities, with excellent symptom relief. Patients had significantly improved mean Kujala and VAS scores without a decrease in the mean TAS scores. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.