TITLE:
The Importance of Posterior Tibial Slope in TKR: Pre and Post-Operative Measurements in United States Osteoarthritic Patients
AUTHORS:
Frederick F. Buechel Sr, Frederick F. Buechel Jr
KEYWORDS:
Posterior Tibial Slope, Posterior Tibial Inclination, Extramedullary Tibial Resection Guide, Total Knee Alignment
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
22,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Sagittal plane placement of the tibial component in total knee replacement (TKR) has important implications for maximizing the range of flexion motion, allowing collateral ligaments to function more normally, as well as providing ideal compressive loading on the tibial bone-prosthesis interface. This study attempts to quantify the normal posterior tibial slope (PTS) angle pre-operatively and post-operatively in osteoarthritic patients after using a conventional extramedullary tibial resection guide to assess its effectiveness. Methods: Forty-nine primary cementless total knee replacements in 34 osteoarthritic patients were measured radiographically pre-operatively and one year post-operatively to determine the PTS and its effect on range of motion. Lateral X-rays, using the anterior cortical line of the tibia, were employed for all measurements. Results: Pre-operative PTS measured 11.83˚ (range 5˚ - 18˚), while post-operative PTS of implanted tibial components measured 11.30o (range 4˚ - 18˚). The pre-operative range of motion of 112˚ (range 30˚ to 135˚) was improved to 119˚ (range 90˚ to 135˚) post-operatively after 1 year. Conclusions: Anterior tibial shaft referencing using a conventional extramedullary tibial resection guide provides an easy and convenient method for reproducing the anatomical PTS during TKR. This methodology provided improvement in average range of motion from 112˚ pre-operatively to 119˚ post-operatively at one year.