Posterolateral corner (PLC) repair

Knee instability from a posterolateral corner injury can make everyday movement feel unsteady and uncertain. Novant Health orthopedic and sports medicine specialists offer PLC repair, also known as posterolateral corner reconstruction, to help restore stability and support a safe return to activity. From diagnosis through recovery, your care team builds a treatment plan around your injury and your goals.

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What is PLC repair?

The posterolateral corner, or PLC, is a group of ligaments and tendons on the outer back part of the knee. This structure helps keep the knee stable, especially when you pivot, twist or push off your leg.

A PLC injury often happens alongside damage to other ligaments in the knee, such as the ACL or PCL. PLC repair, also called posterolateral corner reconstruction, addresses this damage by restoring the ligaments that support knee stability. Your physician may recommend it when the posterolateral corner is torn or stretched enough to cause ongoing instability.

Common reasons for PLC repair

You may need PLC repair if you're experiencing knee instability or pain that doesn't improve with rest. Common reasons include:

Knee instability, especially when pivoting, twisting or changing direction
Pain or swelling on the outer side of the knee
A feeling that the knee may give way during activity
An injury involving multiple knee ligaments, such as the ACL or PCL alongside the PLC
A sports related injury or trauma that stretched or tore the posterolateral corner
Difficulty returning to sports or daily activities after a knee injury

Your physician will evaluate your symptoms, knee stability and imaging results to determine whether PLC repair is the right treatment for you.

Treatment options (surgical and nonsurgical)

Treatment for a posterolateral corner injury depends on the severity of the damage and your activity level. Options include:

Nonsurgical

Nonsurgical management including bracing, activity modification and physical therapy is an option for milder injuries.
PLC repair, which reattaches or tightens the injured ligaments
PLC reconstruction, which uses tissue grafts to rebuild the damaged ligaments when the injury is more severe or chronic
Combined ligament reconstruction for injuries involving the PLC along with the ACL, PCL or other knee ligaments

Your care team will recommend the approach best suited to your injury and recovery goals.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery from PLC repair or reconstruction takes time, and your care team will guide you through each stage. Recovery generally includes:

An initial period of limited weight bearing and bracing to protect the knee
Physical therapy to gradually restore range of motion and strength
Ongoing follow-up visits to monitor healing and progress
A gradual return to daily activities and sports, based on your progress and your physician's guidance

Recovery timelines vary depending on the extent of the injury and whether other ligaments were involved. Your physician will help you understand what to expect at each stage.

Risks and considerations

As with any surgery, PLC repair and reconstruction carry some risks, including infection, stiffness or the knee not achieving full stability. Because the posterolateral corner often works alongside other knee ligaments, recovery can take longer if multiple structures were injured. Your care team will walk you through the risks and benefits of your treatment options and answer any questions before moving forward, so you feel informed and prepared.

Conditions we treat

Our expert team delivers expert care for a wide range of sports and activity-related injuries and conditions.

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Why treatment is important

Left untreated, a posterolateral corner injury can lead to ongoing knee instability that limits movement and daily function. Addressing the injury with the right treatment plan can help restore stability and support a safer return to the activities you enjoy. Your care team is here to guide you toward the option that best fits your needs.