REVIEWS   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2011 December;62(6):471-7

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Update in the diagnosis of posterolateral knee injuries

Camarda L. ¹, Caradonna G. ¹, Grassedonio E. ², D’arienzo A. ², D’arienzo M. ¹

¹ Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italia: 2 Dipartimento di Radiologia, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italia

The analysis of the results and failures of ACL reconstructive surgery have permitted to understand even more the complex biomechanics of the knee and the injuries associated with cruciate tears, such as posterolateral tears. Despite the extreme varying anatomy of the posterolateral corner, anatomic dissection studies have shown that the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteus tendon and popliteal-fibular ligament are almost constantly present. Furthermore, it was clarified the specific role of each posterolateral structures on the knee stability, emphasizing the importance of recognition and treatment of posterolateral injuries. Although different surgical techniques have been described to treat posterolateral knee instability, doubts still exist on recognition a posterolateral injury. In this review, the authors discuss recent diagnosis methods of posterolateral knee instability.