Influence of Posterior Tibial Slope on Stability and Second-Look Arthroscopic Findings after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of posterior tibial slope on stability in clinical and second-look arthroscopic evaluation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Materials and Methods: From 2000 to 2011, 124 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using an allogaft were enrolled in this study. A posterior tibial slope between 0 o and 4 o was found in 28 patients (group A), between 5 o and 9 o in 64 patients (group B), and greater than 10 o in 32 patients (group C). We evaluated stability using the Lachman test and a KT-2000 arthrometer. In second-look arthroscopy, grafted tendons were evaluated based on the tension, rupture, and synovial coverage. Results: In clinical evaluation for stability, mean KT-2000 arthrometer and Lachman test at last follow-up showed no statistically significant differences depending on posterior tibial slope. Second-look arthroscopic findings showed no statistically significant difference between groups A and B (p=0.91). However, statistically significant relations were observed between groups A and C (p=0.03), and between groups B and C (p=0.02). Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with higher posterior tibial slope (≥10 o ) have more lax tension in second-look arthroscopy, but not in clinical stability tests.