OBJECTIVETo study the clinical effects of Müller method for reconstruction of posterolateral corner (PLS) of knee joint.

METHODSFrom June 2005 to June 2007, 13 patients with PLS injured were treated with Müller method. Four patients complicated with injuries in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), 7 patients complicated with injuries in PCL, 4 patient also had injuries in ACL, 1 patient complicated with ACL injury, and 1 patient complicated with avulsions fractures of the tibial ACL insertion. Among the patients, 5 patients had chronic injuries with a duration of 2 to 7 months. After the cruciate ligament was reconstructed, the popliteus tendon was reconstructed with iliotibial band and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) reconstructed with biceps femoris tendon. All the ligaments were fixed with interface screws. The patients were encouraged to do strength and motion exercise on bed immediately after operation and permit toe-touch weight-bearing till two months after operation. The brace was used till six months after operation.

RESULTSThe average follow-up period was 13 months (ranged from 6 to 27 months). There was no restriction of range of motion. External rotation range were good compared to the normal side. One year after operation, one-grade varus instability at 30 degrees flexion was found only in 2 patients. The postoperative Lysholm scores were from 77 to 94 (average 86).

CONCLUSIONThe method is easier to perform, easier to get the materiar for reconstruction and promised satisfactory clinical results.