Combined anterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner injuries: diagnosis and treatment

Combined multiligament knee injuries are more frequent than previously reported when objective diagnostic tools are utilized. Timely diagnosis of concurrent lateral sided ligamentous injuries is of vital importance because unaddressed posterolateral corner (PLC) tears are known to increase the stress on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction graft and potentially increase the risks of graft failure. Additionally, improved surgical outcomes can be expected if all injured structures are addressed concurrently in the acute setting. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to review the relevant literature on the diagnosis and treatment of concomitant ACL and PLC injuries.