Open Journal of Orthopedics | 2021
Importance of Posterior Tibial Slope, Medial Tibial Plateau Slope and Lateral Tibial Plateau Slope in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Abstract
Increased posterior tibial slope (PTS), medial tibial plateau slope \n(MTPS) and lateral tibial plateau slope (LTPS) have been proposed as potential \nrisk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. However, prior \nliterature is inconclusive. The primary goal of the study was to investigate \nthe relationship of MTPS, LTPS and PTS with ACL tears. The secondary goal was \nto determine whether injury mechanisms, age, gender, tobacco, obesity, extreme \nPTS (>12°) or previous injuries are risk factors in \nACL tears. Three groups were identified: a study group of patients with ACL \ninjury; a second group diagnosed with meniscal injury; and a third group of \nnon-injured patients. Demographic data was collected. MTPS and LTPS were measured \nin MRI and PTS in lateral radiographs by two blinded observers. Data was \nanalyzed using SPSS. 416 patients were included in the study. MTPS ranged from \n0° to 14° (average value 5.66 ± 2.98), LTSA 0° to 16° (5.69 ± 3.5) and \nPTS 0° to 17° (6.75 ± 3.18). Neither MTPS, LTPS nor PTS \nrevealed increased risk of ACL tears related with higher slopes, although high \nMTPS showed a decreased risk. However, when \ncomparing traumatic groups, extreme PTS was associated with LCA tear, but no differences were found when comparing \nnon-traumatic groups. This could mean that the importance of \nextreme angles in the LCA rupture may be restricted to traumatic mechanisms. \nPrevious ACL tear was identified as a risk factor to ACL tear; increased age \nand a traumatic mechanism were associated with a lower risk.