Tibial Slope and Its Effect on Graft Force in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions

Background:A flattened posterior tibial slope may cause excessive unwanted stress on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction graft and place patients at risk for PCL reconstruction graft failure. To date, there is a paucity of biomechanical studies evaluating the effect of posterior tibial slope on the loading properties of single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) PCL grafts.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of sagittal plane tibial slope on PCL reconstruction graft force at varying slopes and knee flexion angles for SB and DB PCL reconstructions. The null hypothesis was that there would be no differences in SB or DB PCL graft forces with changes in posterior tibial slope or knee flexion angle.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Ten male fresh-frozen cadaveric knees had a proximal posterior tibial osteotomy performed and an external fixator placed for tibial slope adjustment. SB (anterolateral bundle [ALB] only) and DB PCL reconstruction pro...