Posterolateral Corner Ligament Complex Injuries

The posterolateral corner ligament is a complex consisting of three components : fibular collateral ligament, popliteus tendon and popliteo-fibular ligament. It is an important stabilizer to varus stress, i.e. side to side movement and external rotation in the knee.

Injury and Symptoms
This is most commonly seen in cases of direct traumatic blow, inward force or sudden hyperextension of the knee. It is seen commonly in car accidents with dashboard injuries and sports like football and kabaddi. It is commonly associated with a posterior cruciate ligament injury. In the acute phase, there may be increased pain, swelling and difficulty in walking. In the more chronic phase, patients feel pain on the outside part of the knee and unstable with a sense of falling down. A thorough physical examination, stress X-rays and MRI are necessary to diagnose this injury.