OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic results of surgical treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome.

METHODSOne hundred patients (35 males and 65 females, ranging from 50 to 70 years old with an average age of 63 years) with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomly and equally divided into treatment group and control group. All patients underwent arthroscopic treatment. The patients in treatment group were treated with medial patellofemoral ligament overlap and lateral patellar retinaculum release, and the patients in control group were just treated with lateral patella retinaculum release which is a current widespread operation.

RESULTSAll patients were followed-up with the mean time of 13 months, and were evaluated with HSS (hospital for special surgery) scoring system for the therapeutic effect. The mean score of treatment group (73.52+/-11.17) and control group (65.50+/-13.70) had statistical difference (P<0.05), which indicated that the therapeutic effect of medial patellofemoral ligament overlap and lateral patellar retinaculum release for treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome was satisfying.

CONCLUSIONCompared with lateral patellar retinaculum release, this procedure is superior in correcting the abnormal movement of patellofemoral joint, easily balancing patellofemoral joint space, effectively relieving the pain of anterior knee. No postoperative complications occur, such as intraarticular haematoma, necrosis and dislocation of patella and so on.