From my understanding, a lateral release is when the surgeon makes a small slit (cut) into a tissue (retinaculum) surrounding the kneecap to allow the kneecap to align properly. The surgeon had to perform this procedure because my kneecap was off by 5°. It was tilting to one side. My kneecap is now where it should be and I’m at 0°.
The initial x-rays did not show the loosening. Only the CT scan showed the loosening. It was very clear on the scan exactly where my patella button was loosening off of my patella. There was a gap.
When I had my CT scan, it was done at a different facility and therefore a radiologist read the report and typed up the report and attached it to the CT scan results and sent it to my OS. My initial surgeon dismissed the findings and refused to believe it was loose. Hence, I was in horrible pain for eight months.
However, my new surgeon viewed the CT scan and totally agreed with the radiologist that my patellar button was indeed loose. In fact it was too small and bone was protruding from both ends causing an impingement.
If I were you, I would insist on a CT scan.