Repair and Reconstruction of Medial- and Lateral-sided Knee Injuries

Surgical treatment of medial and lateral knee injuries using repair and/or reconstruction techniques is often necessary to restore knee ligament stability and optimize function. Successful execution of these repairs and reconstructions requires a sound understanding of basic anatomy and biomechanics. Against this backdrop, numerous repair and reconstruction techniques have been developed. Although medial knee injuries are often amenable to healing, posterolateral knee injuries often do not heal after a complete tear. Posterolateral corner repair should be attempted only in acute lateral knee injuries and never for midsubstance tears. Postoperative rehabilitation follows a period approach, with an emphasis on early range-of-motion exercises and protection of the surgical repair or reconstruction. By following these approaches to medial and lateral knee repairs and reconstructions, it is possible to restore stability to an injured knee and expedite return to desired levels of activity.