Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Posterior Cruciate and Posterolateral Corner Injuries of the Knee

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral corner injuries are less common than anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Over the last decade or so, there has become increased awareness of these injuries and also the realization of potential poor clinical outcomes if not repaired, to include chronic instability, osteoarthritis, and both anterior cruciate ligament and PCL graft failures. This, in turn, has led to improvements in imaging technique and understanding of biomechanical anatomy. The objective of this article is to review the normal anatomy and normal appearance of PCL and posterolateral corner structures on magnetic resonance imaging. We would then discuss the imaging findings of injuries of PCL and posterolateral corner and common imaging pitfalls that can mimic an injury.