THE RELATIONSHIP OF POSTERIOR TIBIAL SLOPE WITH CRUCIATE LIGAMENTS AND MENISCAL INJURIES BASED ON MRI– A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Purpose: Various studies show that the disparities in the posterior tibial slope can make native cruciate ligaments and the menisci susceptible to tears. This study is to determine the relationship between posterior tibial slope with the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries. Methods: A total of 72 subjects between 18 and 60 years having a history of traumatic knee pain were included in the study. All subjects were clinically examined, radiologically investigated, and the posterior tibial slope of the patients was calculated. Incidences of cruciate ligaments and menisci injury were identified. Results: In our study, the mean medial compartment posterior tibial slope and lateral compartment posterior tibial slope in all the Anterior Cruciate Ligament injured patients are 7.82 ± 2.56 and 10.53 ± 3.46. But in controls, it is 5.91 ± 4.49 and 6.24 ± 5.15, respectively. The differences are statistically significant ([Formula: see text]10). In cases with increased lateral Posterior Tibial Slope, more degeneration was seen in the lateral meniscus. Less Posterior Tibial Slope is associated with Posterior Cruciate Ligament tears. Conclusion: Anterior cruciate ligament is more prone to tears with a steeper posterior tibial slope. Lateral Meniscus tear is frequently associated with acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury and Medial Meniscus tear is predominantly associated with a chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. A decreased posterior tibial slope is more often associated with patients with a posterior cruciate ligament injury and is considered a risk factor for native Posterior Cruciate Ligament.