Relationship between Coronal Alignment and Posterior Tibial Slope in the Lower Extremity

Abstract

Purpose: To restore the normal axial alignment of the lower extremity is important in reconstructive knee surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate lower-limb alignment and posterior tibial slope. Methods: Thirty-two male and 32 female outpatients aged 22 to 46 were recruited. A full weight-bearing anteroposterior radiograph of the entire lower limb was obtained for each subject. The axial alignment was measured based on the centers of the femoral head, knee, and ankle. The tibiofemoral (TF), tibial joint (TJ), and posterior tibial slope (TS) angles were determined. Results: The mean TF angle was more varus in women (177.8˚) than men (179.2˚), and the mean TJ angle was more medially inclined in women than men. Women had a greater TJ angle than men (93.3˚ vs. 91.6˚). The mean posterior TS was greater in men than women (16.0˚ vs. 12.5˚, p < 0.05), while the mean TS angle was greater in women (14.8˚) than men (12.3˚). Conclusion: Knee alignment and geometry vary among populations. In our study, the TF angle was varus among all participants. The knee joint was more medially inclined in women than men. And also the posterior TS was greater in women than men.