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Bone mineral density of the proximal metaphysis of tibia: clinical relevance in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

  • Knee
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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal tibia in the area adjacent to the fixation of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and compare with the BMD in a similar area at the ideal site for anterior cruciate ligament fixation. Twenty healthy male subjects, undertaking similar daily physical activity were enrolled for this study. The mean age of the subjects was 22 years (range 20–24 years). The bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal tibia was calculated using a quantitative CT scan of the dominant knee, and the data were recorded in Hounsfield units (HU). Two circular regions of interest, anterior and posterior, of identical diameters (10 mm) and thicknesses (5 mm) were studied. The results showed a significantly higher BMD in the anterior region (162.4±33.8 HU) than in the posterior one (104±24.6 HU) with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001). The clinical implication of this finding is that the fixation should provide a firm construct for PCL reconstructions and be specifically designed for working in low bone quality areas such as the posterior proximal tibia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto Universitario di Scienze Motorie, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00194, Rome, Italy

    Pier Paolo Mariani & Fabrizio Margheritini

  2. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy

    Alberto Bellelli

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  1. Pier Paolo Mariani
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  2. Fabrizio Margheritini
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  3. Alberto Bellelli
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Correspondence to Pier Paolo Mariani.

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Mariani, P.P., Margheritini, F. & Bellelli, A. Bone mineral density of the proximal metaphysis of tibia: clinical relevance in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 13, 263–267 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-004-0564-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-004-0564-y

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