Lateral Collateral Ligament Partial Release Osteotomy Technique to Increase a Tight Lateral Knee Joint Space for Knee Arthroscopy

Lateral meniscus tears are common knee injuries, but a tight lateral joint space, significantly smaller than the average 5.63 mm, can hinder visualization and surgical access to the posterior horn and root. Forceful instrumentation in such a narrow compartment risks damaging the articular cartilage, potentially increasing the likelihood of osteoarthritis. In the present study, we describe a technique involving partial osteotomy of the lateral collateral ligament femoral insertion to widen the tight lateral joint compartment, improving visualization and instrumentation for surgical procedures. This surgical technique is simple, effective, safe, and worth promoting.