Posterolateral corner of the knee “the mysterious corner”: a review of anatomy, biomechanics and current treatment paradigms

Authors

  • Amit K. Srivastava Department of Orthopaedic Surgeon, Max Super Speciality Hospital, PPG, New Delhi, India
  • Rahul Prabhakar Max Super Speciality Hospital, PPG, New Delhi, India
  • Neha Gupta Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad, India
  • Ayushi Maheshwari Department of Physiotherapy, Max Super Specialty Hospital, PPG, New Delhi, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20252669

Keywords:

Arthroscopy, Fibular collateral ligament, Knee instability, Posterolateral corner, Popliteus tendon, Popliteofibular ligament, Reconstruction

Abstract

The posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee remains one of the most complex and often underdiagnosed stabilizing units of the knee joint. Injuries to the PLC are frequently overlooked, contributing to chronic instability, early onset osteoarthritis and increased likelihood of total knee arthroplasty. Recent anatomical and biomechanical studies have highlighted the critical role of the PLC in maintaining knee stability, particularly in resisting varus stress, external tibial rotation and posterior translation. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on the anatomy and biomechanics of the PLC, epidemiological trends and evolving management strategies, including anatomical reconstruction techniques and arthroscopic advancements. It emphasizes the necessity for heightened clinical suspicion, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent long-term disability.

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Published

2025-08-25

How to Cite

Srivastava, A. K., Prabhakar, R., Gupta, N., & Maheshwari, A. (2025). Posterolateral corner of the knee “the mysterious corner”: a review of anatomy, biomechanics and current treatment paradigms. International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics, 11(5), 1311–1318. https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20252669