Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
09:01
Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
The tibial sulcus as a reference point for total knee arthroplasty
Daniel J Kelmanovich1, Scott L Russinoff, Catherine Maldjian
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York Medical College, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Orthopedics
|March 19, 2009
Summary
The tibial sulcus is a reliable landmark for knee replacement surgery. Its height in arthritic knees is similar to normal knees, making it a useful reference for tibial resection in knee arthroplasty.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate tibial resection is crucial for successful knee arthroplasty.
- The tibial sulcus is a potential anatomical landmark for guiding tibial cuts.
- Degenerative changes in osteoarthritis can affect bony landmarks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare tibial sulcus height in arthritic versus normal knees.
- To evaluate the reliability of the tibial sulcus as a reference point for tibial resection in knee arthroplasty.
- To establish a safe range for tibial cuts relative to the tibial sulcus.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess 50 arthritic knees and 50 normal knees.
- Measurements of tibial sulcus height and tibial plateau height were taken.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare measurements between the two groups.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was found in tibial sulcus height between arthritic (17.09 mm) and normal knees (17.88 mm).
- Tibial plateau height differences were also analyzed.
- These findings support the use of the tibial sulcus as a consistent landmark.
Conclusions:
- The tibial sulcus is a reliable anatomical reference point for determining tibial resection in knee arthroplasty.
- A tibial cut of 12-14 mm from the sulcus is recommended for arthritic knees.
- This technique is applicable to minimally invasive knee arthroplasty procedures.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Knee Joint
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...