The Collateral Ligaments and Posterolateral Corner: What Radiologists Should Know

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• The posterolateral corner of the knee is crucial for joint stability.
• Injuries here can cause instability and complicate cruciate ligament repairs.
• Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the normal anatomy of the posterolateral knee.
• To discuss the biomechanics and common injuries.
• To outline current diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of normal MR imaging anatomy.
• Discussion of biomechanical function.
• Analysis of injury patterns and treatment options.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of posterolateral corner anatomy on MRI.
• Identification of common injury mechanisms and appearances.
• Overview of surgical and non-surgical management.

Conclusions:

• Understanding posterolateral knee anatomy is key for diagnosing injuries.
• Prompt and accurate diagnosis impacts patient outcomes.
• MRI is the preferred imaging modality for these injuries.