How long does it take to recover from posterolateral corner surgery?
A return to normal activities of daily living is expected between 6-8 weeks after surgery; a return to sports is possible approximately six months after PLC reconstruction. For additional resources on posterolateral corner reconstruction or to have your knee pain evaluated, please contact the office of Dr.
What are the posterolateral corner structures?
The three primary stabilizers of the posterolateral corner are the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. Also pictured are the lateral gastrocnemius tendon and the lateral meniscus.
What does a posterolateral corner injury feel like?
Injuries to the posterolateral corner are associated with widespread pain, tenderness and swelling in the fibular head and posterolateral area of the knee. These injuries can also cause knee instability, a change in gait, and hyperextension and varus thrust during during walking.
Where is the posterolateral corner of knee?
The posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee was once referred to as the dark side of the knee due to the limited understanding of the structures, biomechanics and possible treatment options.
How long does the PLC take to heal?
How long does a PCL injury take to heal? Recovery time can vary from person to person. If your injury is mild, it may only take about 10 days to heal. If you’ve had surgery to repair your PCL, recovery could take about six to nine months.
What causes posterior lateral knee pain?
Posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries commonly result from a force directed at the anteromedial aspect of the knee with the foot planted firmly on the ground1. Patients frequently complain of pain over the posterolateral aspect of the knee, and instability with normal walking, twisting, and cutting2.
What is a posterolateral corner reconstruction?
Anatomic posterolateral corner reconstruction reproduces 3 main structures: the lateral collateral ligament, the popliteofibular ligament, and the popliteus tendon. The LaPrade technique reproduces all 3 main stabilizers.
What makes up the posterolateral corner of the knee?
Specific components of the posterolateral corner that can be identified on MRI, albeit with some variability, are the biceps femoris tendon, the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteus musculotendinous complex including the popliteofibular ligament, the fabellofibular ligament, and the arcuate ligament.
How do you test for posterolateral corners?
Posterolateral Drawer Test- With the patient in prone, the knee is flexed to 90 degrees and externally rotated 15 degrees. The examiner then provides a posterior force to the femoral condyles. Excessive Posterolateral translation is a positive test and indicative of a PLC injury.
How painful is PCL surgery?
The length of the surgery depends on how severe the injury is; however, most PCL surgeries last up to two hours. You will be put under general anesthesia during the procedure and may be in some pain when you awake after PCL surgery. Many patients are able to return home the same day.
Which is worse ACL or PCL tear?
The pain from an ACL tear usually will be more severe than that of a PCL tear. There also may be significant (or total) loss of range of motion of the knee. Swelling from an ACL tear tends to develop slowly, over the course of 24 hours.
Can a tight hamstring cause posterior knee pain?
Hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and popliteus tendon typically cause posterior knee pain.