A Case of Posterolateral Corner Injury with Segond Fracture in Association with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear on MRI - A Case Report

Abstract

Knee injuries are common in sports and depending on the mechanism of fall, injury of different ligaments can occur. Knee injury mostly involves the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and is the most common injury reported on MRI. It can be associated with posterolateral corner (PLC) injury and other osseous injuries, these injuries are rarely reported as they are very complex in structure. A detail knowledge about this complex helps to evaluate the associated ligaments as well. In association with anterior cruciate ligament injuries presence of a Segond fracture indicates occurrence of a concomitant or isolated injury to the posterolateral corner injury. The evaluation of these associated injuries along with anterior cruciate ligament aids in their repair and hence improving the postoperative outcome. Three main components of posterolateral corner are divided into three layers – superficial, middle, and deep. Clinically few tests have been advised to evaluate injury of different structures of knee joint. For example - McMurray's test and Ege's test are used to evaluate meniscus, Lachman test, Anterior drawer test and Pivot Shift Test are performed to evaluate anterior cruciate ligament tear while posterior drawer test is done to evaluate posterior cruciate ligament tear. Availability of special closely coupled extremity coils, high field systems, open system & extremity units have made MRI supplemental to clinical examination and plain radiographs for virtually all suspected disorders of knee. Here, we are presenting a case of MRI of knee injury involving posterolateral corner injury with anterior cruciate ligament tear and Segond fracture. Along with anterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, other ligaments and osseous injury are associated as well. The other structures responsible for stabilizing the knee joints are posterolateral corner and meniscus, which when involved may need to be treated simultaneously with anterior cruciate ligament tear, for full re stabilization of knee joint. If any associated fracture is present, it has to be treated simultaneously as well.