A comparison of modified Larson and 'anatomic' posterolateral corner reconstructions in knees with combined PCL and posterolateral corner deficiency.

Different methods to reconstruct damaged posterolateral structures are available, but there has been little work studying their relative performance in combined PCL plus posterolateral corner (PLC) deficiency. We hypothesized that an 'anatomic' reconstruction with three graft bundles crossing the joint line would restore knee laxity closer to normal than a modified two-bundle Larson reconstruction. In a controlled laboratory study, the kinematics of cadaveric knees were measured electromagnetically with posterior drawer, external rotation, or varus rotation loads applied, with the knee at sequential stages: intact, PCL-deficient; PCL plus PLC-deficient; modified Larson reconstruction; anatomic PLC reconstruction.

Control of laxity in knees with combined posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner deficiency: comparison of single-bundle versus double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with modified Larson posterolateral corner reconstruction.

Background: Although many posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are in combination with posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries, there has been little research on combined injury reconstruction; the literature includes differing recommendations.

Hypothesis: Combined PCL plus PLC reconstruction corrects the abnormal posterior translation, varus, and external rotation laxities caused by combined PCL plus PLC deficiency. Furthermore, double-bundle PCL plus PLC reconstruction restores laxity closer to normal than single-bundle PCL plus PLC reconstruction.

The posterolateral corner of the knee. Anatomy, biomechanics and management of injuries.

The structures within the posterolateral corner of the knee have recently been "re-discovered" providing a very important role in maintaining the stability of the knee. Injury to the posterolateral corner is not common but neither is it rare; it is usually damaged in combination with rupture of one of the cruciate ligaments in direct and indirect trauma to the knee. When reconstructing a knee to restore stability following such injuries, it is important to recognise damage to the posterolateral corner so that this can be corrected.