Authors:

Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Evan P. Shoemaker, B.A., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

Injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) have been reported to occur in 13.3% to 19.7% of patients with anterior cruciate ligament tears. Severe cases can also lead to injury of the biceps femoris tendon, the iliotibial band, the lateral capsule, and the peroneal nerve. In cases in which a high-grade PLC injury with additional pathology is suspected, early surgical intervention is critical. This Technical Note describes a combined anterior cruciate ligament and PLC reconstruction with repairs to the lateral capsule, biceps femoris tendon, and iliotibial band attributable to a hyperextension injury.
Isolated injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee are rare and often a part of a multiligament knee injury involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and/or the posterior cruciate ligament. The main stabilizers of the PLC consist of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. Other structures related to the PLC include the lateral capsule, bicep femoris tendon, iliotibial band (ITB), and the common peroneal nerve.3 Severe high-grade injuries to the PLC can include additional damage to any of these structures.

The main function of the PLC is to stabilize varus gapping and external rotation, and the main function of the ACL is to prevent anterior tibial translation. Although the ACL and PLC have different functions, both are associated with hyperextension-type injuries. In this Technical Note, we describe the surgical reconstruction of the ACL and PLC with repair of the ITB, lateral capsule, and bicep femoris tendon due to a hyperextension injury.

You can download the study: Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Full Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction With Lateral Capsule, Biceps Tendon, and Iliotibial Band Repairs Attributable to Hyperextension Injury