Posterolateral corner injuries of the knee: anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment.

Injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee continue to be a complex problem for orthopedic surgeons. Early recognition and treatment are important factors in the patient's long-term outcome. To properly treat these patients, the surgeon must have a clear understanding of the anatomic relationships amongst the structures in the posterolateral knee. This knowledge combined with a thorough physical examination and imaging studies, allows the surgeon to make the correct diagnosis and devise an appropriate treatment plan. This article will discuss the anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment options to improve the surgeon's understanding of posterolateral knee injuries. The senior author's technique for anatomic reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee and the rehabilitation protocol are described.