Exploring the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee Joint: A Detailed Review of Recent Literature

One of the least understood and most elaborate and neglected knee stabilizers is the posterolateral corner (PLC) complex. PLC injury is associated with a high risk of re-injury, early athletic career termination, instability, progressive osteoarthritis, and a high risk of artificial knee replacement. The growing focus on the PLC, along with various recent anatomical and biomechanical studies, has provided further insights into the anatomy and function of posterolateral structures in knee stabilization and kinematics. The PLC should be considered as a functional unit, not only an anatomical unit. A low suspicion threshold should be maintained when considering PLC injuries, and thorough history evaluation, clinical examination, and adequate imaging should be conducted to reduce the chances of neglected PLC injuries. Various PLC repair and reconstruction techniques, ranging from non-anatomical to anatomical, have been introduced, with treatments increasingly favoring minimal incisions and arthroscopic procedures. Recent studies on the PCL have reported an increasing number of satisfactory clinical outcomes. This study aimed to provide a deeper understanding, as well as review the current and most feasible treatments for PLC injuries.