Evaluation of arthrography and arthroscopy for lesions of the posteromedial corner of the knee.

Injuries of the posteromedial corner of the knee joint were evaluated using the results of clinical, arthrographic, and arthroscopic examinations in 137 surgically treated patients (137 knees) with injuries of the ACL (acute in 61, chronic in 76). The accuracy of each diagnosis was confirmed by determining the site of the injury during the arthrotomy. A tear of the posteromedial corner of the medial meniscus was present in 40 patients, and an accurate diagnosis was made in 29 patients by clinical examination, in all 40 patients by arthrography, and in 38 patients by arthroscopy. Injury of the posterior oblique ligament was noted in 37 patients, and an accurate diagnosis was made in 15 patients by clinical examination, in 35 patients by arthrography, and in 8 patients by arthroscopy. Lesions of the posterior oblique ligament which were not detected in the arthroscopic examination alone were either rupture at the attachment to the femur or longitudinal tears in the meniscofemoral or meniscotibial portion. The results revealed that arthrography is an important means of evaluation in the diagnosis of injuries of the posteromedial corner of the knee joint.