Three years ago I had an ortho who recommended lateral release surgery. I postponed it until after the ski season. So glad I did, the problem was in my hip, actually my left SI joint, not my knee. Since then I've had 2 pt's tell me that lateral release surgery isn't always successful. I've also been told by my PT's that most knee problems come from the hips, not the knee. I know this isn't much help but I suggest you think very carefully before having surgery.