Evaluation of arthrography and arthroscopy for lesions of the posteromedial corner of the knee

Abstract

Injuries of the posteromedial corner of the knee joint were evaluated using the results of clinical, arthro graphic, and arthroscopic examinations in 137 sur gically treated patients (137 knees) with injuries of the ACL (acute in 61, chronic in 76). The accuracy of each diagnosis was confirmed by determining the site of the injury during the arthrotomy. A tear of the posteromedial corner of the medial meniscus was present in 40 patients, and an accurate diagnosis was made in 29 patients by clinical exami nation, in all 40 patients by arthrography, and in 38 patients by arthroscopy. Injury of the posterior oblique ligament was noted in 37 patients, and an accurate diagnosis was made in 15 patients by clinical examination, in 35 patients by ar thrography, and in 8 patients by arthroscopy. Lesions of the posterior oblique ligament which were not de tected in the arthroscopic examination alone were either rupture at the attachment to the femur or longi tudinal tears in the meniscofemoral or meniscotibial portion. The results revealed that arthrography is an important means of evaluation in the diagnosis of injuries of the posteromedial corner of the knee joint.