Evidence brief
Management of Multiligament Knee Injuries
Surgical treatment superior to non-operative for most patterns
Posterolateral corner injuries require early surgery (<3 weeks)
ACL and PCL can be reconstructed simultaneously or staged
Vascular assessment mandatory
Outcomes generally good but rarely normal
Multiligament knee injuries require systematic assessment, vascular evaluation, and often surgical reconstruction. Posterolateral corner injuries are time-sensitive and should be addressed early.
Critical exam topic. Initial assessment: vascular exam (ABI, angiogram if ABI <0.9), nerve function. Surgical timing: PLC within 3 weeks. Staged vs single-stage reconstruction. Know Schenck classification. Expect residual laxity even after surgery.
Level I
Systematic review of RCTs or high-quality RCT