**2.3 Results**

260 Modern Arthroscopy

Fig. 3. Location of anterior interval release. The release is made anterior to the transverse meniscal ligament and proceeds anterior to the anterior horn of the medial and lateral

Postoperatively, the goal is to prevent scar reformation, while preserving joint mobility. Initially, rehabilitation is focused on establishing full range of motion and patellar and patellar tendon mobility. Patients are limited to touch-down weight bearing for 2 weeks to limit inflammation and to maximize interval excursion. 4 Patients are also usually prescribed anti-inflammatory medications for 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. After 6 weeks, the goal is the return functional strength followed by sports specific exercise and gradual

meniscus.

return to sport.

Steadman et al 1 described the results of isolated anterior interval release in twenty-five consecutive patients. Patients failed a minimum of six months of physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Following arthroscopic release, the average Lysholm score significantly improved from 59 preoperatively to 81 postoperatively, while the average International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score improved from 49 to 70. Four patients had failed results, requiring a second surgical release. Ogilvie-Harris and Giddens described arthroscopic resection of the infrapatellar fat pad in patients with Hoffa's syndrome. 6 Patients had significant improvement in symptoms and function after surgery at an average follow-up of 76 months.

Conversely, patients with severe scarring, or infrapatellar contracture syndrome, had symptoms of patellofemoral arthritis and tibiofemoral arthritis and could not return to preinjury sport or work despite improvements in range of motion after arthroscopic and open treatment. 5
