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Review
. 2014 Dec 24;50(4):363-70.
doi: 10.1016/j.rboe.2014.12.008. eCollection 2015 Jul-Aug.

Injuries to posterolateral corner of the knee: a comprehensive review from anatomy to surgical treatment

Affiliations
Review

Injuries to posterolateral corner of the knee: a comprehensive review from anatomy to surgical treatment

Bernardo Crespo et al. Rev Bras Ortop. .

Abstract

Although injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee were previously considered to be a rare condition, they have been shown to be present in almost 16% of all knee injuries and are responsible for sustained instability and failure of concomitant reconstructions if not properly recognized. Although also once considered to be the "dark side of the knee", increased knowledge of the posterolateral corner anatomy and biomechanics has led to improved diagnostic ability with better understanding of physical and imaging examinations. The management of posterolateral corner injuries has also evolved and good outcomes have been reported after operative treatment following anatomical reconstruction principles.

Embora as lesões do canto posterolateral do joelho tenham sido previamente consideradas como uma condição rara, elas estão presentes em quase 16% de todas as lesões de joelho e são responsáveis pela instabilidade sustentada e falha das reconstruções concomitantes caso não tenham sido adequadamente reconhecidas. Embora tenha sido considerado como o “lado negro do joelho”, o maior conhecimento da anatomia e da biomecânica do canto posterolateral levou à melhoria da capacidade diagnóstica e à melhor compreensão do exame físico e de imagem. O manejo das lesões do canto posterolateral evoluiu e bons desfechos têm sido relatados após o tratamento cirúrgico que segue princípios da reconstrução anatômica.

Keywords: Biomechanical phenomena; Knee injuries; Knee joint; Knee/anatomy & histology; Reconstructive surgical procedures/methods.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Anatomy of the posterolateral corner is represented (A) with the three main structures responsible for lateral side stability: popliteus tendon, popliteofibular ligament and fibular collateral ligament. The anatomical footprints of these structures are highlighted in (B) B. (Reprinted with permission from Am J Sports Med. 2003;31:854–860.).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Anatomical reconstruction of the posterolateral corner with two free grafts reconstructing the three major structures, through two femoral tunnels, one tibial tunnel and one fibular tunnel. (Reprinted with permission from Am J Sports Med. 2010;38:1674–1680.).

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