Anatomic reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee: a case series with isolated reconstructions in 27 patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study presents clinical results of a case series of isolated reconstruction of the posterolateral corner (PLC) with a new technique that aims to reconstruct the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament.


METHODS
From 1997 to 2005, 27 patients available for follow-up with isolated posterolateral instability were treated with primary reconstruction of the LCL and PLC. The median age was 28 years, and there were 16 male patients. Of the patients, 26% had remaining instability after anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. All underwent reconstruction with a novel technique addressing both the LCL and the PLC by use of hamstring autografts. Follow-up was more than 24 months, and patients were examined by an independent observer using the International Knee Documentation Committee objective measures and subjective Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores.


RESULTS
In our series 95% of patients with isolated lateral rotatory instability had rotatory stability after PLC reconstruction. On the basis of International Knee Documentation Committee scoring, 71% were normal or nearly normal. Subjective Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores were comparable to scores in patients after meniscectomy. One patient had a deep infection, but none had any peroneal nerve injury.


CONCLUSIONS
This case series presents a new method for combined reconstruction of the LCL and the PLC. Despite the extensiveness of procedure, complications were low. The technique restores lateral stability clinically at 2 years' follow-up.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Jakobsen
Bent Wulff
BW
EIRA Private Hospital, Science Center Skejby, Brendstrupgaardsvej 21, Aarhus, Denmark. bwj@eiradanmark.dk
Lund
Bent
B
Christiansen
Svend Erik
SE
Lind
Martin C
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012399:Rotation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013177:Sports; D013710:Tendons; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult