The influence of the tibial slope on intra-operative soft tissue balance in cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty

Purpose This study aims to make clear the influence of the tibial slope on intra-operative soft tissue balance measurements using a tensor in cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Forty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received TKAs (20 cruciate-retaining TKAs and 20 posterior-stabilized TKA). Soft tissue balance was measured using an offset type tensor at 0, 10, 45, 90, 135 degrees of knee flexion. The tibial slopes were measured by post-operative lateral radiograph. The correlation between the tibial slope and values of soft tissue balance were assessed. Results Joint component gap at 90° ( R = 0.537, p