Posterior slope of the tibial plateau in cohort of Omani patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Objectives: Posterior tibial slope (PTS) is an important factor in restoring joint biomechanics after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Given ethnic variation and the lack of recorded values for PTS, this study aimed to report PTS in a cohort of Omani patients (Arab ethnicity). Methods: This retrospective study included all Omani patients who underwent TKA in a specialized center between May 2017 and March 2020. Patients with revision TKA, extra-articular deformity, and tibial defects necessitating bony build-up and traumatic indications were excluded. Data collected include age, gender, and pre-and post-operative PTS. Results: A total of 128 patients were included in the study, 94 (73.4%) were female and 34 (26.6%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 65.16 years, standard deviation (SD) 8.47 (Maximum 87–Minimum 43). The mean pre-operative PTS was 10.6° (SD 3.65), whereas most current TKA designs aim for a 5–6° posterior slope. We found no correlation between PTS value and age or gender (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Given the higher PTS angle found in this study, which is consistent with those reported in the literature for Asian and Arab populations. This study indicates the importance of examining PTS variation within the population served. The proximal tibia shape and cutting angle can be varied to avoid any discrepancy in PTS after implantation.