To date, there is no consensus on the best technique to repair injured posterolateral structures of the knee. We evaluated the effects of a fibular head based isometric reconstruction of the posterolateral knee corner with a double bundle semitendinosus tendon. From February 2001 to February 2005, 18 isometric reconstructions of a chronic posterolateral corner (PLC) injury of the knee were perf...

BACKGROUND The optimal surgical exposure to the posterior ankle for trauma and reconstruction is a source of debate. We hypothesized that the Achilles tendon-splitting approach would provide greater exposure to the posterior ankle than the posterolateral approach. METHODS Forty surgical approaches were performed from twenty fresh-frozen cadavers. Achilles tendon-splitting and posterolateral a...

A modified posterolateral thoracotomy is described that combines the advantages of complete muscle sparing through a thoracolumbar fascial slide with excellent exposure. The technique is easy to perform. The procedure was associated with relatively little postoperative pain, coughing was effective, and early ambulation was achieved. Experience with this approach in the first 49 patients suggest...

This case report describes the first case of a bone bridge formation across the left L5/S1 neuroforamen after instrumented posterolateral fusion for L5/S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis. Our patient was a 70-year-old lady who had grade 2, L5/S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis and bilateral S1 nerve root compression. She suffered from mechanical low back pain and neurogenic claudication, with radicular pai...

PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship between posterolateral reconstruction, abductor muscle strength, and femoral offset following total hip arthroplasty. METHODS Of 28 patients (56 limbs) we assessed, 12 underwent posterolateral reconstruction (reconstruction group) and 16 did not (non-reconstruction group). Isometric abductor muscle strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Each pa...

BACKGROUND The choice between transthoracic, lateral, and posterolateral approaches to excise thoracic disc herniations remains controversial. METHODS The outcome of the three approaches was compared in seven of the authors' cases and in 324 other cases reported in the literature. RESULTS Partial or total neurological recovery was found in 93% after a transthoracic procedure versus 87% afte...

The posterior lateral meniscus root (PLMR) provides the circumferential tension required to stabilize the lateral meniscus. Thus, preservation of the PLMR is important to prevent an increase in tibiofemoral contact pressure, which could result in osteoarthritis. We describe an all-arthroscopic approach to the fixation of PLMR using suture anchors through associated posterolateral arthroscopic p...