Complications of posterolateral corner injuries of the knee and how to avoid them.

Knee dislocations and in particular posterolateral corner injuries to the knee are severe injuries demanding an organized approach and technically challenging surgery. Complications include unrecognized vascular or neurological injury and failure to reconstruct appropriately. During reconstruction, performing an inappropriate operation (failure to recognize malalignment) or technical error with tunnel or hardware placement can lead to delayed problems. Wound infection and wound breakdown is common as in arthrofibrosis often from overconstraint of the knee. Attention to principles and expertise in technique can minimize these complications.