Acute and chronic management of posterolateral corner injuries of the knee.

Abstract

Injuries of the posterolateral corner of the knee are uncommon, but can lead to chronic disability from persistent instability and resultant articular cartilage degeneration if not appropriately treated. These injuries rarely occur alone and are often associated with cruciate ligament tears or tibial plateau fractures. Clinical management is dictated by the severity and timing of injury. Early diagnosis may allow primary repair of the posterolateral corner rather than delayed reconstructon. This review article provides a brief overview of posterolateral corner injuries of the knee, with a focus on clinical management based on grade of injury and timing of diagnosis.