Anterior cruciate ligament deficiency accompanied by patellar subluxation treated by reconstruction with lateral retinacular release

Five patients with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency accompanied by patellar subluxation who were treated by ACL reconstruction with lateral retinacular release (LRR) are reported. In two patients, the LRR was performed at the same time as the ACL reconstruction, and in three patients, the LRR was performed secondarily. The three patients requiring the secondary LRR needed the procedure to recover knee stability to return to sporting activities. In all patients, the apprehension sign of the patella was subsequently improved. When managing ACL deficiencies in a young athletic population, patellar subluxation should be suspected. In our patients with patellar subluxation accompanying an ACL deficiency, ACL reconstruction with LRR was effective in relieving their instability.