Where is the posterolateral part of the knee?

Located on the outside of the knee joint, the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee functions to stabilize the knee against direct lateral or external forces. Injuries that occur to this area are often due to a sports impact injury – from sports like – football, soccer skiing and basketball.

What is a posterolateral corner reconstruction?

Posterolateral corner reconstruction is the surgical repair of a significant injury to the posterolateral corner of the knee. PLC tears are most often sustained from an acute injury. For example, a blow to the inner or medial knee while playing football or during a motor vehicle accident can cause a tear of the PLC.

What are the three main Stabilisers of the posterolateral corner of the knee?

The three major static stabilizers of the PLC are the fibular (lateral) collateral ligament (FCL), the popliteus tendon (PLT) and the popliteofibular ligament (PFL)(9).

Is the LCL part of the posterolateral corner?

The LCL can become damaged during a fall or from sports activity, and many of these injuries are complex and require expertise to diagnose and treat. The LCL is part of the posterolateral corner (PLC), along with the posterolateral capsule, popliteofibular ligament and the popliteus tendon.

What are the posterolateral corner structures?

Structures found in the posterolateral corner include the tibia, fibula, lateral femur, iliotibial band (IT band), the long and short heads of the biceps femoris tendon, the fibular (lateral) collateral ligament (FCL), the popliteus tendon, the popliteofibular ligament, the lateral gastrocnemius tendon, and the …

Where is the posterolateral corner?

The posterolateral corner is a complex area of tendons and ligaments around the outside of the knee. Like a Spaghetti Junction of the body, the PLC is a ‘meeting point’ for the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteofibular ligament, the popliteus tendon, the biceps femoris tendon, the iliotobial band and more.

What is posterolateral instability of the knee?

Posterolateral instability, also known as posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI), is a common pattern of knee instability that results from injuries to the structures that support the outside of the knee joint, the posterolateral corner.

How do you test for posterolateral corners?

Posterolateral Drawer Test- With the patient in prone, the knee is flexed to 90 degrees and externally rotated 15 degrees. The examiner then provides a posterior force to the femoral condyles. Excessive Posterolateral translation is a positive test and indicative of a PLC injury.

What is the Popliteus tendon?

The popliteus tendon is the tendon of the popliteus muscle and is located at the posterior aspect of the knee. It originates from the lateral femoral condyle, where the popliteofibular ligament comprises a portion of its proximal thickness.

What is another name for the fibular collateral ligament?

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL, long external lateral ligament or fibular collateral ligament) is a ligament located on the lateral (outer) side of the knee, and thus belongs to the extrinsic knee ligaments and posterolateral corner of the knee.

What are the structures in the posterolateral corner?

Structures that provide dynamic stability to the posterolateral knee include the iliotibial band, long and short heads of the biceps femoris muscle, and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle.

What is posterolateral knee instability?