The posterolateral corner of the knee. Anatomy, biomechanics and management of injuries.

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.