To compare the clinical outcomes of intra-capsular vs. extra-capsular lateral retinacular release in the treatment of excessive lateral pressure syndrome of patella using two novel surgical techniques: A retrospective comparative study

Both the surgical methods have good clinical effects. L-shaped release is superior to the CUI method in improving knee function in the elderly patients (≥50 years old), while the CUI method is superior to L-shaped release in correcting patellar tilt in the elderly patients. In young patients, the CUI method has the same clinical effect as L-shaped release. The L-shaped release is relatively simple with a short learning curve, making it suitable for beginners treating younger patients with mild lateral contracture. However, the CUI method is more recommended for patients with severe lateral patellar tilt, obvious lateral contracture thickening, and elderly patients.