Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Recently several authors have suggested a correlation between posterior tibial slope (PTS) and sagittal stability of the knee. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature relating to measurement, normal values and important values to guide treatment. We performed a systematic literature review looking at PTS and cruciate ligament surgery. Our aim was to define a gold standard measurement technique, determine normal ranges and important values for consideration during cruciate ligament surgery.
Methods
Electronic searches of MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, ScienceDirect, and NICE in June 2020 were completed. Inclusion criteria were original studies in peer-reviewed English language journals. A quality assessment of included studies was completed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) Criteria.
Results
Two-hundred and twenty-one papers were identified; following exclusions 34 papers were included for data collection. The mean MINORS score for non-comparative studies was 13.8 and for comparative studies 20.4, both indicating fair to good quality studies. A large variation in PTS measurement technique was identified, resulting in a wide range of values reported. In addition, there appears to be significant variation between different races, ages and genders.
Conclusion
We demonstrated a lack of consensus in the literature relating to various facets of PTS. Cautiously, we suggest normal ranges of 6–12º using the proximal tibia axis at 5 and 15cms below the joint. Potentially 12º is an important cute-off for slope reducing osteotomy as an adjunct to revision ACL reconstruction.
