Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction
How do you treat injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee? Alex Dodds, knee specialist for the Cotswolds, Cheltenham and Gloucester, explains.
The posterolateral corner of the knee is a collection of tendons and ligaments on the outside of the knee joint. You can find more about posterolateral corner injuries here.
Do all posterolateral corner injuries need surgery?
No. A minor isolated PLC injury may be treated with a course of physiotherapy designed to improve the strength of the muscles around the knee and regain a full range of motion. You may find wearing a prescribed knee brace helps take stress off the knee giving it time to heal.
More serious injuries will usually require surgery. Where surgery is required to address another injury (an ACL tear, for example) the PLC may be addressed as part of the same procedure.
Older injuries may not be appropriate for reconstruction.
What does PLC surgery involve?
Posterolateral corner reconstruction usually requires a graft taken from another part of the body (often a hamstring) or an artificial ligament. Given the number of different components within the PLC, Alex will adapt his approach to the specific ligaments or tendons damaged.
How long does it take to recover from a PLC injury?
You may need to keep weight off your affected leg for around six weeks after surgery. You should be able to return to everyday activities (that is, walking, driving etc) shortly after this.
Returning to sport and other more demanding activities will take longer, usually at least six months.
Seek treatment for your knee injury
If your knee is sore, feels unstable, or if you have experienced swelling of the knee joint shortly after injury (even if the swelling subsided) seek treatment now.
Book your appointment at Alex Dodds’ Gloucestershire knee surgery.
See what our clients think
Appointments
To make an appointment please either fill in the contact form and you will be called back by our secretary to arrange a convenient appointment time or get in touch directly.
Call Chrissie Holmyard 01242 246549 at Nuffield Health, Cheltenham.
