An Inside Look at Knee Injuries

In this study, the anatomy and function of injuries affecting the inside back corner (the posteromedial corner) of the knee are reported. The authors of this article took the time to look closely and carefully at injuries to this part of the knee.

The knee can be divided many ways. Some doctors look at it as four separate corners. Others discuss it in terms of its two sides: medial (inside half) and lateral (outside half). Yet another view is to look at the knee joint in thirds: front, middle, and back. In this study a single surgeon used the corner method. Ninety-three cases of posteromedial knee injuries were reviewed.

The anatomy of the inside back corner is described. How each structure works is also discussed. The author calls the work of the posteromedial corner dynamizing action. The soft tissue and ligaments work together. They pull tissue out of the way, lengthen structures to prevent pinching, and help us keep our balance. Ligaments and cartilage give us just the right amount of bone rotation.

The action of each structure is very important. The authors show how often injury to the posteromedial corner is more than first seen. Often the main ligament is torn, along with a piece of capsule or tendon in that corner. They point out that final results may not be good unless the surgeon repairs all damage present.

Restoring dynamic action to the knee requires all parts to be in good working order. These authors show how structures in the posteromedial corner work to give us normal knee motion. Surgeons must look at each injury carefully, find any hidden damage, and repair it.