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Examination of posterolateral corner injuries
Mitchell W Larsen1, Alison Toth
1Central Utah Clinic, Department of Orthopedics, Provo, Utah, USA.
The Journal of Knee Surgery
|May 27, 2005
Summary
A thorough physical exam is crucial for diagnosing posterolateral corner injuries. The dial test is a key diagnostic tool for assessing posterolateral rotatory instability in the knee.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Knee biomechanics
Background:
- Posterolateral corner injuries often accompany other knee ligament damage.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of a comprehensive physical examination for suspected posterolateral corner injuries.
- To highlight key assessment components and diagnostic tests.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of mechanical alignment and gait.
- Assessment of knee hyperextension and varus thrust.
- Thorough assessment of all knee ligaments, including the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Main Results:
- The dial test is a standard and accepted method for evaluating posterolateral rotatory instability.
- Detecting the presence or absence of the PCL is challenging but critical.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive physical examination is vital for diagnosing posterolateral corner injuries.
- The dial test is a reliable tool for assessing posterolateral rotatory instability.