Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction: Surgical Technique and Postoperative Rehabilitation

Anatomic posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction is utilized for ligamentous knee instability associated with PLC injury in patients who desire a return to active lifestyles^1,2. The fibular collateral ligament (FCL) and popliteal tendon (PLT) are reconstructed in anatomic fashion according to techniques described by LaPrade et al.^3-7.

Various PLC reconstruction techniques have been described; however, the preferred reconstruction technique of the senior author is the method developed by LaPrade et al. that restores the anatomy of the 3 primary stabilizers of the PLC, including the FCL, PLT, and popliteofibular ligament^3,5,6.

Alternative nonoperative treatments include knee immobilization for 4 weeks and physical therapy. Surgical alternatives include PLC repair, which involves repair of the lateral collateral ligament, PLT, and/or popliteofibular ligament if structures can be anatomically reduced to their attachment site. However, repair of acute grade-III PLC injuries with staged treatment of concurrent cruciate injuries is associated with a substantially higher postoperative PLC failure rate^8-10.

Clinical outcomes have demonstrated that primary repairs have significantly higher rates of reoperation compared with reconstruction; therefore, reconstruction is recommended. Treatment of grade-III PLC injuries with reconstruction of midsubstance tears and any associated cruciate ligament tears results in significantly improved objective stability¹¹. In addition, anatomic PLC reconstruction has demonstrated improved subjective and objective patient outcomes compared with nonsurgical treatment or repair^5,11,12.

Reconstruction of the PLC offers excellent outcomes after surgery. Studies have shown that the fibular-based technique for treatment of a chronic isolated PLC injury showed good results in terms of clinical outcome, restoring knee varus and rotational stability¹³.

Patients with associated proximal tibiofibular joint instability will benefit from this reconstruction because this technique will add stability to the joint.This surgical approach is technically demanding, requiring proficiency with surgical dissection.Damage to the common peroneal nerve can potentially occur. Careful dissection and placement of retractors should be observed.Risks include surgical failure due to unrecognized malalignment; especially in chronic cases, the patient should have a complete evaluation of the standing alignment and tibial slope¹².

FCL = fibular collateral ligamentPFL = popliteofibular ligamentPLC = posterolateral cornerIT = iliotibialIKDC = International Knee Documentation CommitteeACL = anterior cruciate ligamentPCL = posterior cruciate ligamentPEEK = polyetheretherketonePROM = passive range of motion.