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Management of Posterolateral Corner Injury in the Multiligament Injured Knee

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Knee Arthroscopy and Knee Preservation Surgery

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Abstract

The primary stabilizers of the posterolateral corner (PLC) are the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), the popliteus tendon (PLT), and the popliteofibular ligament (PFL), and they all serve as primary stabilizers against external rotation and varus opening forces. Historically, the PLC has been considered complex and was even termed “the dark side of the knee”; however, a systematic approach by studying the anatomy and biomechanics has improved our understanding. These studies have led to development of anatomic-based reconstructions which improve knee function and patient outcomes. It is important to recognize these injuries and treat them early because missed or untreated injuries can lead to poor function, failure of reconstructed cruciate ligaments. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that anatomic reconstructions are superior to repairs for torn PLC structures; therefore, reconstruction for grade III injuries should be attempted early when possible.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Twin Cities Orthopedics, Edina, MN, USA

    Ariel N. Rodriguez

  2. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA

    Ariel N. Rodriguez

  3. University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Kari L. Falaas

  4. Monson Orthopaedic Consulting, LLC, Forest Lake, MN, USA

    Jill Monson

  5. Oslo Sport Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sports Science, Oslo, Norway

    Gilbert Moatshe

  6. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Lars Engebretsen

  7. Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic and General Surgery, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

    Lars Engebretsen

  8. Twin Cities Orthopedics University of Minnesota, Edina, MN, USA

    Robert F. LaPrade

Authors
  1. Ariel N. Rodriguez
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  2. Kari L. Falaas
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  3. Jill Monson
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  4. Gilbert Moatshe
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  5. Lars Engebretsen
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  6. Robert F. LaPrade
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Medicine Clinic, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA

    Seth L. Sherman

  2. Midwest Orthopedics, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Jorge Chahla

  3. Department of Orthopedics, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA

    Scott A. Rodeo

  4. Complex Knee and Sports Medicine Surgeon, Twin Cities Spine Center, Edina, MN, USA

    Robert LaPrade

Section Editor information

  1. Twin Cities Orthopedics University of Minnesota, Edina Minnesota, USA

    Robert F. LaPrade

  2. Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA

    Robert G. Marx MD

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Rodriguez, A.N., Falaas, K.L., Monson, J., Moatshe, G., Engebretsen, L., LaPrade, R.F. (2023). Management of Posterolateral Corner Injury in the Multiligament Injured Knee. In: Sherman, S.L., Chahla, J., Rodeo, S.A., LaPrade, R. (eds) Knee Arthroscopy and Knee Preservation Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82869-1_41-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82869-1_41-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-82869-1

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