The External Rotation Radiographic Technique for Posterolateral Injury

Abstract

Posterolateral corner injuries are a severe and often unrecognized pathology. Injuries to these structures are difficult to identify using magnetic resonance images. Physical examination tests including the dial test, frog-leg test, and varus stress test can be difficult to perform. In addition it is difficult to correctly evaluate the results in a multiligament injury setting. The correct diagnosis of this pathology is essential to determine the proper treatment and improve outcomes. Furthermore, failure to recognize this pathology is associated with a high risk of failure following isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. The purpose of this Technical Note is to present an alternative method for the evaluation of posterolateral corner injuries using radiographic images.