Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Posterior Corner Knee Injury
The posterior corner of the knee is a highly complex region made up of multiple muscles, tendons, ligaments, and capsule structures. Its primary function is to stabilise the knee joint against rotational and side forces, ensuring smooth movement and strength during weight-bearing activities.
Isolated posterior corner knee injuries are rare. More often, they occur in association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries, making diagnosis and treatment essential for full recovery.
Key Structures in the Posterior Corner of the Knee:
- Popliteus muscle and tendon
- Popliteofibular ligament
- Biceps femoris muscle and tendon
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
- Fabellofibular ligament
- Arcuate ligament complex
- Posterolateral joint capsule
With the right treatment approach, patients can achieve their maximum recovery potential, regain stability, and return to everyday activities safely.
Causes of a Posterior Corner Knee Injury
Posterior corner knee injuries most often occur during sports-related trauma. A common example is when an athlete sustains a strong impact to the inside of a straightened knee, placing excessive stress on the joint. They may also result from high-energy incidents such as road traffic accidents. These injuries are usually graded based on severity:
- Grade I – mild strain without significant laxity
- Grade II – partial damage with some looseness in the joint
- Grade III – complete disruption of the stabilising structures leading to severe instability
While Grade I and II injuries are often managed conservatively with physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Grade III injuries usually require surgical intervention followed by structured physiotherapy. Regardless of severity, physiotherapy plays a vital role in regaining knee function and returning to pre-injury activity levels.
Symptoms Physiotherapy Can Help With
Posterior corner knee injuries can cause a range of uncomfortable and limiting symptoms. Physiotherapy is highly effective in addressing:
- Pain and discomfort at the back or side of the knee
- Swelling and stiffness that reduce mobility
- Loss of muscle strength and stability
- Restricted range of movement
- Reduced functional ability such as walking, running, or sport performance
Through a personalised rehabilitation programme, physiotherapy helps to manage pain, restore strength, improve mobility, and support a safe return to daily activities and sports.
How is a Posterior Corner Knee Injury Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a posterior corner knee injury begins with a detailed subjective and objective assessment by a physiotherapist. Special clinical tests are carried out to identify which stabilising structures are involved, including:
- Lachman & Posterior Drawer Tests
- Posterolateral Drawer Test
- Varus Stress Test
- Dial Test
- Reverse Pivot Shift Test
- External Rotation Recurvatum Test
Neural tests may also be performed to check for possible nerve involvement. To confirm the diagnosis, an MRI scan is usually ordered to assess the level of damage, while an X-ray may be required to rule out fractures.
Medical Treatment Options
The treatment pathway depends on the grade of injury:
- Grade I & II injuries – usually treated conservatively with physiotherapy.
- Grade III injuries – typically require surgery followed by structured rehabilitation.
Surgical Options
There are two main surgical approaches depending on when the injury occurred:
- Acute injuries (<3 weeks old): ligaments and tendons are repaired by sewing them back together or reattaching them to bone.
- Chronic injuries (>3 weeks old): reconstruction is usually required, creating new ligaments using structures such as the popliteofibular ligament, popliteus tendon, or lateral collateral ligament.
Following surgery, patients are often advised partial non-weight bearing for 6–8 weeks and may need a protective hinged brace. However, physiotherapy begins immediately, focusing on restoring movement and strengthening the quadriceps.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Posterior Corner Knee Injury
Physiotherapy is vital for recovery and offers the following benefits:
- Pain reduction and swelling control
- Improved range of motion
- Restored muscle strength and knee stability
- Gait re-education for safe walking patterns
- Better balance and coordination
- Safe return to sport, work, and daily activities
With the right programme, physiotherapy maximises recovery and speeds up the return to normal function.
What Does Physiotherapy Treatment Involve?
Rehabilitation is tailored to the severity of injury and may follow a surgeon’s protocol after surgery. Treatment often includes:
- Education on safe use of walking aids
- Range of motion exercises to restore flexibility
- Quadriceps strengthening to improve knee stability
- Soft tissue massage and mobilisation
- Gait retraining for proper walking mechanics
- Balance and proprioception training
- Gradual return to activity and sport-specific exercises
Each rehabilitation plan is customised to the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
Arranging a Physiotherapy Assessment
If you suspect a posterior corner knee injury, it is important to seek professional help. At Ace Physio Sports, our specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists provide expert assessment, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment programmes.
Summary
Posterior corner knee injuries are complex and often occur alongside other ligament injuries such as the ACL or PCL. If left undiagnosed or untreated, they can cause long-term instability and disability. With the right combination of accurate diagnosis, surgical or conservative management, and physiotherapy, patients can make a safe and effective recovery.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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