Reappraisal of the proximal tibia anatomy in Turkish population

Total knee arthroplasty has been popular in recent years. Morphometry of proximal tibia is important for surgeons to perform successful total knee arthroplasty. Aim of this study was to reappraise the proximal tibia morphometry.

In this study, 57 human dry tibia were evaluated. Anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions of tibial condyles, maximum width of superior articular surface and length of tibia were measured. Furthermore, morphometric measurements of the intercondylar area and Gerdy's tubercle (infracondylar tibial tubercle) were done. All measurements were performed by two observers using a digital caliper.

Mean anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions of medial tibial condyle were found 39.76 and 23.27 mm, respectively. Mean anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions of lateral tibial condyle were measured 34.72 and 21.83 mm, respectively. Mean anteroposterior dimension of intercondylar area was 41.62 mm. Shape of the Gerdy's tubercle was oval in 76.8%, irregular in 12.5%, and triangular in 10.7%. Texture of the tubercle was smooth in 85.7% and rough in 14.3%. Mean superoinferior and mediolateral dimensions of Gerdy's tubercle were 12.28 and 10.27 mm, respectively. Anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions of tibial condyles were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the medial condyle. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between the tibial length and the other parameters (p < 0.05, r > 0.40).

The morphometric data of tibial plateau are important for surgeons during total knee arthroplasty. The superoinferior and mediolateral dimensions of the Gerdy's tubercle, the distance between Gerdy's tubercle and tibial tuberosity, the distance between Gerdy's tubercle and lateral tibial plateau were measured for the first time in our study. The data obtained from this study can be used as a guideline in designing tibial component of the total knee prosthesis in Turkish population. In arthroplasty, patient-specific prosthetic implants may eradicate implant mismatch in the near future.