Table 2.

Stepwise release of the lateral retinaculum

Step	Definition	Description
1	Release of distal part	Release of the lateral retinaculum starting from the midlevel of the patella, progressing distally to the upper tibial border (Figs. 4, 5)
2	Partial release of proximal part	Release of the lateral retinaculum starting from midlevel of the patella, progressing proximally up to the proximal border of the patella; the lateral superior genicular artery is preserved (Fig. 6)
3	Complete release of proximal part	Further release of the retinaculum from the superior border of the patella, progressing proximally, lateral to the vastus lateralis, for approximately 2 to 4 cm; this includes release of the lateral superior genicular artery tether and cauterization of the vessel (Fig. 7)