Differentiation in Posterior Tibial Slope by Sex, Age, and Race: A Cadaveric Study Utilizing 3-Dimensional...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• Posterior tibial slope (PTS) is increasingly recognized for its potential role in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries.
• Previous research has not detailed demographic variations in PTS across different age groups, sexes, or ethnicities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate demographic differences in proximal tibial anatomy.
• To identify variations in posterior tibial slope (PTS) based on ethnicity, sex, and age.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study analyzed 250 cadaveric specimens using full-body CT scans.
• Measurements included medial posterior tibial slope (MPTS), lateral posterior tibial slope (LPTS), and global PTS.
• Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and Fisher exact test, was used to compare PTS across demographic groups.

Main Results:

• The mean PTS was 8.92° across all specimens.
• Asian Americans exhibited a greater mean MPTS than Whites (+1.7°), and African Americans/Blacks had a greater mean PTS than Whites (+1.6°).
• No significant differences in mean PTS were observed between sexes or age groups. Clinically significant PTS (<6° or >12°) was found in 24.4% of individuals, with ethnic variations noted for PTS <6°.

Conclusions:

• Ethnic background is associated with variations in posterior tibial slope (PTS), with higher PTS observed in African Americans/Blacks and Asian Americans compared to Whites.
• Approximately 25% of the population presents with clinically significant PTS values (<6° or >12°).
• No sex or age-related differences in PTS were identified in this study population.