Slope Osteotomies in the Setting of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency.

J Bone Joint Surg Am · Jul 25 2024 · Review

Kayaalp ME, Winkler P, Zsidai B, Lucidi GA, Runer A, Lott A, et al.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UPMC Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Sports Medicine

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONPosterior tibial slope ≥12° raises ACL injury and reconstruction failure risk, and slope-reducing osteotomies show favorable outcomes but require precise measurement and correction targets.
Abstract, as published

➤ Posterior tibial slope (PTS) of ≥12° represents an important risk factor for both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction failure.➤ PTS measurements can significantly differ on the basis of the imaging modality and the measurement technique used. PTS should be measured on strictly lateral radiographs, with a recommended proximal tibial length of 15 cm in the image. The PTS measurement can be made by placing 2 circles to define the proximal tibial axis, 1 just below the tibial tubercle and another 10 cm below it. PTS measurements are underestimated when made on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.➤ Slope-reducing osteotomies can be performed using a (1) supratuberosity, (2) tubercle-reflecting transtuberosity, or (3) infratuberosity method. The correction target remains a topic of debate. Although it is controversial, some authors recommend overcorrecting the tibial slope slightly to a range of 4° to 6°. For instance, if the initial slope is 12°, a correction of 6° to 8° should be performed, given the target tibial slope of 4° to 6°.➤ Clinical outcomes following slope-reducing osteotomies have been favorable. However, potential complications, limited data with regard to the impact of slope-reducing osteotomies on osteoarthritis, and uncertainty with regard to the effects on the patellofemoral joint are notable concerns.➤ Patients with complex deformities may need biplanar osteotomies to comprehensively address the condition.

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