Evaluation of outcomes in conservatively managed concomitant Type A and B posterolateral corner injuries in ACL deficient patients undergoing ACL reconstruction

INTRODUCTION: There is paucity of literature regarding the outcomes of ACL reconstruction in ACL deficient knees with concomitant Type A and Type B PLC injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients undergoing isolated ACL reconstruction for an ACL injury were evaluated prospectively in this study. The patients with divided into three groups: group A with isolated ACL injury, group B1 with concomitant Type A PLC injury and group B2 with concomitant Type B PLC injury. The associated PLC injury in all these patients was managed conservatively. Outcome assessment was based on IKDC scores measured preoperatively and at last follow up visits. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 25.33 years (16-38 years) with 95 males and seven females. The average follow up was almost 2.5 years (13-46 months). Group A had 88 patients while groups B1 and B2 had six and eight patients respectively. The preoperative IKDC scores were comparable for all the groups. The follow up IKDC scores were similar (statistically insignificant, p value: 0.421) for group A and group B1. Group B2 had poorer follow up IKDC scores as compared to group A and this result was found to be statistically significant (p value: 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Conservative management of a concomitant Type B PLC injury adversely affects the outcomes of ACL reconstruction in these patients. Type A PLC injuries, on the other, do well without surgery and can be left as such even when associated with a concomitant ACL tear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.