The posterior tibial slope is mainly created by the posterior rotation of the tibial condyles

Abstract

Purpose: Constitutional varus in the coronal plane is formed based on the Hueter-Volkmann’s law. The varus deformity occurs at the proximal metaphysis of the tibia and the tibial condyle rotates medially. In the sagittal plane, we hypothesized that the posterior slope angle of the tibial articular surface may also occur at the proximal metaphysis and the tibial condyle rotates posteriorly. The purpose of this study was to verify the hypothesis. Methods: A total of 208 patients who underwent TKA had lateral view proximal tibia digital radiograph on which seven parameters were analyzed. The posterior slope angle of the tibial articular surface relative to the anterior wall of the tibial condyle and that relative to the anterior cortex of the tibial shaft were assessed. Correlation between the position of the tibial condyle and the posterior slope angle of the articular surface were assessed. Results: The proximal tibial condyle itself did not have a posterior slope in the 86.5% of the participants. Posterior rotation of the tibial condyle created posterior slope of the tibial articular surface relative to the anterior cortex of the tibial shaft. The more tibial condyle was posteriorly rotated, the more the tibial articular surface shifted posteriorly. Conclusion: Study findings showed that the posterior tibial slope occurs at the proximal metaphysis of the tibia, and the tibial condyle rotates posteriorly. The posterior tibial slope involves the posterior shift of the tibial articular surface. The posterior tibial slope is mainly created by the posterior rotation of the tibial condyle.