Injury of the posterolateral corner of the knee does not lead to higher intra‐articular external tibial rotation in the MRI

Sobota, J; Arras, C; Frings, J; Sobota, M; Frosch, K; Krause, M

Journal article

Injury of the posterolateral corner of the knee does not lead to higher intra‐articular external tibial rotation in the MRI

Abstract:: Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate external tibial rotation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 26 patients with PLC injury (study group) was performed and compared with a control group of 100 patients without knee injuries. Intra‐articular tibial rotation was assessed in MRI measuring two angles: (1) between the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA) of the femur and the posterior tibial condyle line (PTC) (SEA‐PTC); and (2) between the posterior femoral condyle (PFC) and the PTC (PFC‐PTC). Results were aligned with the dial test (DT), representing the clinical assessment of PLC injuries. The statistical significance of differences in SEA‐PTC and PFC‐PTC was evaluated using a two‐sided Welch's t test. Results: The mean SEA‐PTC was −6.3 ± 7.9° (study group) versus −6.1° ± 4.0° (control group), and the mean PFC‐PTC was −5.2 ± 2.4° (study group) versus −5.4 ± 1.5° (control group). There were no statistical differences regarding the SEA‐PTC or the PFC‐PTC between both groups (p = 0.87 and p = 0.87, respectively). DT was positive in 80% of patients with PLC injury; thus, sensitivity was 80%. SEA‐PTC and PFC‐PTC were not statistically different between DT positive/negative patients (p = 0.89 and p = 0.1, respectively). There was a significant correlation between SEA‐PTC and PFC‐PTC (R = 0.88; p < 0.001). Conclusion: PLC injuries are not associated with increased external tibial rotation in the MRI, while the DT is a valuable method for the clinical assessment of PLC injuries. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Sobota, J., Arras, C., Frings, J., Sobota, M., Frosch, K., & Krause, M. (2025). Injury of the posterolateral corner of the knee does not lead to higher intra‐articular external tibial rotation in the MRI. Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics, 12(3).

MLA Style

Sobota, J., et al. “Injury of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee Does Not Lead to Higher Intra‐Articular External Tibial Rotation in the MRI.” Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics, vol. 12, no. 3, Wiley, 2025.

Chicago Style

Sobota, J, C Arras, J Frings, M Sobota, K Frosch, and M Krause. 2025. “Injury of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee Does Not Lead to Higher Intra‐Articular External Tibial Rotation in the MRI.” Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics 12 (3).
Share
Print