Summary
The hypothesis of this study was that an arthroscopic repair can be an effective treatment for isolated subtle PLC injuries with hypermobile LM and can provide good stability and clinical outcomes postoperatively.
Abstract
Background
Injuries of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee can lead to chronic rotational instability, pain and functional impairment. The isolated PLC injury is considered a rare entity. These PLC injuries are commonly combined with hypermobile lateral meniscus (LM) and can be misdiagnosed causing persistent pain and instability to patients. The hypothesis of this study was that an arthroscopic repair can be an effective treatment for isolated subtle PLC injuries with hypermobile LM and can provide good stability and clinical outcomes postoperatively.
Materials And Methods
Fifty-two patients who had been diagnosed with isolated PLC injury, and were treated arthroscopically, were included. Demographic, preoperative and operative data were collected and reviewed. All patients underwent suturing of the lateral meniscus with utilization of all-inside technique. Postoperatively, varus stress test, posterolateral drawer test, dial test, activity and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed.
Results
At last follow-up visit (minimum 1 year), 51 of the patients (98%) of the patients declared satisfied with the procedure. One patient was re-operated. All 51 patients had negative varus stress test, posterolateral drawer test, and symmetrical measurements of dial test. Postoperative VAS score was 8,8 (range, 7-10), IKDC score was 86,4(range, 77-97) and Tegner Activity Scale was 7,7(range, 4-10). No complication, such as postoperative knee stiffness, pain or cyst due to implants, or infection occurred.
Discussion
Arthroscopic repair of isolated PLC injuries of the knee can result in favorable clinical outcomes, with elimination of the pain and the instability and return to satisfying sports activity.