I just read a story about someone saying they had a lateral release and it did more harm then good. It sounds to me like he had a bad surgeon. I had that same procedure done on both of my knees when I was 19 and 20 (my doctor had been trying to get me to have it done since I was 14) and thanks to having a great surgeon I managed to have hardly any pain in my knees for a few years. I am now 27 and starting to have pain again, more then likely due to the fact that I have become active again with running, and was just diagnosed with PFS. To this persons claim that a lateral release doesn't work I beg to differ. Its alla bout the surgeon you have whether it will turn out for the best or not. I have managed to find yet another excellent doctor where I live now so I advise everyone to ask around for a doctor and hear feedback on previous surgeries he/she has performed before going ahead.