Examination of posterolateral corner injuries

Physical examination of patients with a suspected posterolateral corner injury must be comprehensive. Mechanical alignment, gait, and any hyperextension or varus thrust should all be evaluated. The status of all ligaments of the knee also must be thoroughly assessed. Detecting the presence or absence of a PCL can be difficult but is essential (Table). The dial test is easy to perform and is the most standard and accepted test to assess and follow posterolateral rotatory instability of the knee.