What nerve is commonly injured with posterolateral corner injuries?
A multiple-ligament knee injury that includes posterolateral corner (PLC) disruption often causes palsy of the common peroneal nerve (CPN), which occurs in 44% of cases with PLC injury and biceps femoris tendon rupture or avulsion of the fibular head.
What makes up the posterolateral corner of the knee?
The posterolateral corner is a complex area of tendons and ligaments around the outside of the knee. Like a Spaghetti Junction of the body, the PLC is a ‘meeting point’ for the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteofibular ligament, the popliteus tendon, the biceps femoris tendon, the iliotobial band and more.
What does a posterolateral corner injury feel like?
Injuries to the posterolateral corner are associated with widespread pain, tenderness and swelling in the fibular head and posterolateral area of the knee. These injuries can also cause knee instability, a change in gait, and hyperextension and varus thrust during during walking.
What is a posterolateral corner repair?
Posterolateral corner reconstruction is performed using tissue grafts to replace the injured ligaments. Tissue autografts from the patient (hamstring and quadriceps tendon) or allografts from donors (Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, hamstring tendons) can be used for this reconstruction.
How long does a posterolateral corner injury take to heal?
Grade I and II injuries can do well without surgery. They can be treated with crutches and a hinged knee brace for 4 to 6 weeks followed by physical therapy. With a grade III injury, the PLC structures are too damaged to heal on their own. This injury will require surgery.
How do you know if you tore your PCL?
Your doctor then examines your knee and presses against your upper shin. Abnormal knee movement during this test suggests a PCL injury. One sign that the PCL is torn is that your knee may appear to droop backwards in a way that isn’t natural when your doctor straightens your leg.
What is the Popliteus tendon?
The popliteus tendon is the tendon of the popliteus muscle and is located at the posterior aspect of the knee. It originates from the lateral femoral condyle, where the popliteofibular ligament comprises a portion of its proximal thickness.