Hi there. I've been following a set of exercises that address the problem area for several weeks. I'm now able to cycle again (quite hard albeit with a knee support).

However, when I massage the problem area(see photo), it is still tender and sensitive. This therefore prompts me to conclude that the problem is a combination of scar tissue on the retinaculum and incorrect repair of the retinaculum, which when rubbing on the kneecap can cause inflammation.

I can't know this for sure but am reasonably confident this is the problem. Will this require surgery?

It's just that if the scar tissue needs to be broken down, I'm not confident that I will be able to do this of my own accord.