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Scientific Article

Outcomes of surgical treatment of posterolateral instability of the knee

The outcomes of surgical treatment for posterolateral knee instability are highly variable because of the heterogeneous presentation of posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries. The mechanism of injury to the PLC is most commonly a combined hyperextension and varus force to the knee, and it is frequently the result of high energy or sports trauma.1 As such, PLC tears are rarely isolated (1.6% of all the knee ligament injuries) and are often associated with concomitant ligament injury.2,3 Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries generally occur in conjunction with PLC injuries, and concomitant medial collateral ligament and posteromedial complex injuries also occur in the case of knee dislocations.4 Other commonly associated pathologies include vascular compromise, neurological injury to the peroneal nerve, and periarticular fracture.5–12 Outcomes of surgical treatment of the PLC vary significantly depending on the type and severity of these associated injuries.

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