Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction Surgery in Lincoln & Omaha, NE
Posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to restore stability to the outer and back portion of the knee following injury to the posterolateral stabilizing structures. The posterolateral corner plays an important role in controlling knee stability, rotational motion, and protecting the cruciate ligaments.
The structures of the posterolateral corner include:
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
- Popliteus tendon
- Popliteofibular ligament
PLC injuries are uncommon when isolated and frequently occur together with other ligament injuries, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Matthew Byington, DO provides evaluation and treatment for complex knee ligament injuries in Lincoln and Omaha, including posterolateral corner reconstruction and multi-ligament knee procedures.
What Causes Posterolateral Corner Injuries?
PLC injuries commonly occur following significant trauma and high-energy injuries.
Common causes include:
- Sports injuries
- Contact athletics
- Twisting injuries
- Knee hyperextension injuries
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Multi-ligament knee trauma
These injuries frequently occur with ACL and PCL tears.
Symptoms of Posterolateral Corner Injury
Common symptoms may include:
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Instability
- Difficulty walking
- Knee weakness
- Rotational instability
- Feeling of the knee giving way
- Difficulty with cutting or pivoting activities
Untreated PLC injuries may contribute to persistent instability and increased stress on other ligaments.
How Is Posterolateral Corner Injury Diagnosed?
Evaluation commonly includes:
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Motion assessment
- Stability testing
- Activity evaluation
Dial Test
The dial test is an important examination used to evaluate rotational instability.
Increased outward rotation of the foot and knee may indicate posterolateral corner injury.
Injury Grading
Grade I–II Injuries
Lower-grade injuries generally demonstrate mild to moderate instability and may respond to non-surgical treatment.
Grade III Injuries
Higher-grade injuries show significant instability and often require reconstruction.
Imaging Studies
X-Rays may evaluate:
- Alignment
- Bone injury
- Joint stability
MRI commonly evaluates:
- PLC injuries
- ACL and PCL injuries
- Meniscus damage
- Cartilage injuries
- Soft tissue structures
MRI helps determine injury severity and treatment planning.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Lower-grade injuries may be treated with conservative care including:
- Knee bracing
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Motion restoration
- Return-to-sport rehabilitation
Bracing may be recommended during healing.
When Is PLC Reconstruction Recommended?
Surgery may be considered for:
- Grade III PLC injuries
- Significant instability
- Multi-ligament injuries
- Failed non-surgical treatment
- Athletic instability
- Persistent symptoms
Treatment recommendations depend on injury severity and associated ligament damage.
Matthew Byington, DO Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Matthew Byington is a board certified Orthopedic Surgeon, specializing in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques and sports medicine. He specializes in Shoulder, Knee and Elbow conditions, although he treats all orthopedic conditions.
How Is Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction Performed?
PLC reconstruction is performed under anesthesia using small incisions around the outer knee.
During surgery:
- Damaged ligament structures are identified
- Graft tissue is prepared using autograft or donor tissue
- Hamstring tendon grafts may be utilized for reconstruction
- Bone tunnels and fixation points are created
- The graft is positioned to restore posterolateral stability
- Screws or fixation devices secure the graft
PLC reconstruction may also be combined with:
- ACL reconstruction
- PCL reconstruction
- Multi-ligament knee procedures
The goal is to restore stability and knee mechanics.
Recovery After PLC Reconstruction
Recovery varies depending on associated ligament injuries and procedures.
Postoperative rehabilitation commonly includes:
- Knee bracing
- Protected weight-bearing
- Crutch-assisted ambulation
- Physical therapy
- Motion restoration exercises
- Progressive strengthening
- Return-to-sport rehabilitation
Recovery timelines depend on healing and injury complexity.
Benefits of PLC Reconstruction
Potential benefits may include:
- Improved knee stability
- Restoration of rotational control
- Reduced instability symptoms
- Protection of ACL and PCL grafts
- Improved athletic function
- Return to activity
Risks & Complications
Possible risks may include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Numbness
- Persistent pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Graft failure
- Graft loosening
- Reinjury
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Peroneal nerve irritation or injury
Why Choose Dr. Byington for PLC Reconstruction?
Matthew Byington, DO is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and complex knee ligament reconstruction. He treats patients with:
- PLC injuries
- ACL injuries
- PCL injuries
- Multi-ligament knee injuries
- Meniscus injuries
- Sports-related knee conditions
Treatment plans focus on restoring stability, preserving knee function, and helping patients return to active lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions About PLC Reconstruction
What is a posterolateral corner injury?
A PLC injury involves damage to the stabilizing structures on the outer and back portion of the knee.
Do all PLC injuries require surgery?
No. Lower-grade injuries may improve with bracing and rehabilitation, while severe injuries often require reconstruction.
Can PLC injuries occur with ACL or PCL tears?
Yes. PLC injuries frequently occur together with ACL and PCL injuries.
What graft is used during PLC reconstruction?
Reconstruction may use hamstring autografts or donor tissue depending on the procedure.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Yes. Rehabilitation is important for restoring strength, motion, and knee function.
Can athletes return to sports after PLC reconstruction?
Many athletes return to activity following healing and completion of rehabilitation.
Restore Knee Stability & Return to Activity
If knee instability, ligament injury, or sports-related knee pain is affecting your activities, schedule an evaluation with Matthew Byington, DO to discuss personalized posterolateral corner reconstruction treatment options in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska.