Anatomical Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction of the Knee Using a New Fibula Cross Tunnel Method: A Cadaveric Study

Posterolateral corner (PLC) injury of the knee causes varus and posterolateral rotatory instability. The anatomy of the PLC has been reported in the literature but the importance of PLC reconstruction has only recently been established and ideal reconstruction techniques are still in development. The native function of the PLC is to restrain varus and external rotation. Reconstruction methods should properly restore these functions without overconstraining the joint. Several reconstructions for PLC injury have been reported but with concerns of iatrogenic neurovascular injury, fibular head cutout, and restoration of the knee kinematics. To address these concerns, a new cross fibula tunnel method was developed that may have lower risk of iatrogenic nerve injury and fibula head cutout. The purpose of this study was to verify the stability of this technique using a PLC deficient knee.