Posterolateral Corner Injuries
The posterolateral corner is made up of a combination of static and dynamic structures. These structures help to control stability in the back (posterior) of the knee on the outer side (lateral). It is for this reason that knee injuries to this region are named “posterolateral corner injuries.”
A large proportion of the support that is responsible for stability is provided by the lateral (fibular) collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon and popliteofibular ligament. Posterolateral corner injuries may impact a patient’s stability when moving or bearing weight on the knee.
There are several ways that posterolateral corner injuries may present symptoms. Patients usually experience pain in the posterolateral area of the knee. An x-ray is typically necessary to rule out other potential injuries, such as a knee fracture, that have similar symptoms.
Expert Orthopedic Consultation for Posterolateral Corner Injuries
Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds of Silicon Valley Orthopaedics provide an expert clinical examination to diagnose or exclude posterolateral corner injuries. Recovery relies on an accurate diagnosis of your injuries so you can benefit from the most effective treatment options.
There are several aspects involved in clinical examination, which may include:
- Varus stress test
- External rotation dial test
- Reverse pivot shift test
- External rotation recurvatum test
- Posterolateral drawer test
These procedures are designed to test the function and stability of the knee. Dr. Nic Gay or Dr. Masi Reynolds can also use image testing to confirm the diagnosis and identify any secondary issues. At Silicon Valley Orthopaedics, our team is committed to providing conservative treatment options for posterolateral corner injuries.
If you would like to benefit from an expert clinical examination to determine the cause of your knee pain, contact Silicon Valley Orthopaedics today. We offer affordable and effective treatment options at our California practice.