Abstract
The structures within the posterolateral corner of the knee have recently been “re-discovered”
providing a very important role in maintaining the stability of the knee. Injury to
the posterolateral corner is not common but neither is it rare; it is usually damaged
in combination with rupture of one of the cruciate ligaments in direct and indirect
trauma to the knee.
When reconstructing a knee to restore stability following such injuries, it is important
to recognise damage to the posterolateral corner so that this can be corrected. Ignored
damage to this region may result in continuing knee instability and resultant failure
of cruciate ligament reconstruction.
We present a review of the anatomy and biomechanics of the structures in the posterolateral
corner. This is then related to the diagnosis of injuries to the region via history,
examination and imaging. We then discuss the management of injuries to the posterolateral
corner describing our preferred method of repair.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 28,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
