Surgical Treatment of Lateral Posterolateral Instability of the Knee Using Biceps Tendon Procedures

Posterolateral instability (PLI) is common with posterior cruciate ligament tears and is less common with anterior cruciate ligament tears, and isolated PLI is rare. There are varying degrees of PLI with respect to pathologic external tibial rotation, and varus laxity. Surgical treatment of PLI must address all components of the PLI (popliteus tendon, popliteofibular ligament, lateral collateral ligament, and the lateral-posterolateral capsule), and other structural injuries. Successful posterior cruciate ligament and anterior cruciate ligament surgery depends upon recognition and treatment of posterolateral corner injuries.