Radiographic Analysis of the Tibial Axis on the Antero-posterior and Lateral view of Knee

Chung, Jae Bong; Han, Chang Dong; Yang, Ick Whan; Che, Jin Ho

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of plain knee films in assessing the position of tibial component after total knee arthroplasty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Plain radiological antero-posterior(AP) and lateral view of tibia of 51 adults (mean age: fifty-years old) were taken. On AP view, the medial angles between tibia plateau and mechanical, anatomical and proximal anatomical axis of tibia were measured, and then correlation of each angle and the angle between the tibia plateau and anatomical axis were assessed. On lateral view, the posterior angle formed between the medial tibial plateau and anatomical, proximal anatomical axis, anterior and posterior cortex of proximal tibia were measured, and then correlation of each angle and the angle between the medial tibial plateau and anatomical axis were assessed.
RESULTS
On tibial AP view, both axes had significant correlation(p<0.05) with the anatomical axis. The anatomical axis of proximal tibia was closest to it. On lateral view, all three axes had significant correlation(p<0.05) with anatomical axis. Among these, the anterior cortex of proximal tibia was closest to it.
CONCLUSION
The position of the tibia component and posterior slope after total knee arthroplasty can be measured on plain knee X-rays using anatomical axis and the anterior cortex line of proximal tibia.