International Orthopaedics April 2012, Volume 36, Issue 4, pp 755–760

Comparative study of tibial posterior slope angle following cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty using one of three implants

Bae, D.K., Song, S.J., Yoon, K.H. et al.
Knee

Purpose

Pre- and postoperative tibial posterior slope angles (PSAs) were assessed in patients who underwent cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Material and methods

A total of 386 cruciate retaining TKA were performed in 308 patients and retrospectively reviewed. Based on the prostheses, 202 cases using NexGen® were classified as group I, 120 cases using PFC sigma® as group II, and 64 cases using Vanguard® as group III. Postoperative PSA of groups I, II, and III were compared.

Results

In groups I, II, and III, postoperative PSA was 6.0˚, 6.0˚, and 4.5˚, respectively (p < 0.001). Between preoperative measurement and final follow-up examination, mean knee score (59.7 to 97.3), function score (54.2 to 90.5), and range of motion (ROM; 126.7° to 132.2°) improved. These three values did not differ significantly among groups.

Conclusions

The 3° slope of the Vanguard® polyethylene insert caused the difference in PSAs. This design characteristic should be considered when using this implant in TKA.


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