The influence of the tibial slope on intra-operative soft tissue balance in cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty

Purpose

This study aims to make clear the influence of the tibial slope on intra-operative soft tissue balance measurements using a tensor in cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Forty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received TKAs (20 cruciate-retaining TKAs and 20 posterior-stabilized TKA). Soft tissue balance was measured using an offset type tensor at 0, 10, 45, 90, 135 degrees of knee flexion. The tibial slopes were measured by post-operative lateral radiograph. The correlation between the tibial slope and values of soft tissue balance were assessed.

Results

Joint component gap at 90° (R = 0.537, p < 0.01) and 135° (R = 0.463, p < 0.05) of flexion and joint component gap change value of 90–0° (R = 0.433, p < 0.05) showed positive correlations with tibial slope in posterior-stabilized TKA. There was no relationship between the tibial slope and the value of soft tissue balances in cruciate-retaining TKA.

Conclusions

In the present study, we confirmed that increasing the tibial slope resulted in a larger flexion gap compared to extension gap in posterior-stabilized TKA. Surgeons should be aware that increasing the tibial slope is one factor responsible for widening the flexion–extension gap difference in posterior-stabilized TKA.

Level of evidence

III.