Use of a New Tensor to Assess the Accuracy of the Soft- Tissue Balance in Total Knee Arthroplasty

+Kobayashi, H; Mitsugi, N; Taki, N; Akamatsu, Y; Ota, H; Tanaka, K; Saito, T +Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan [email protected] Introduction Obtaining proper intraoperative soft tissue balance at the time of total knee arthroplasty is thought to be one of important factors to achieve stable postoperative outcomes. It is ideal to fulfill a rectangular flexion and extension gap, although the difficulties are well recognized. Therefore, various ways, such as surgeon’s experiences, spacers, and tensors, have been reported to assess softtissue balance. We have used a new tensor which enables us to measure soft tissue balance with a patella in the physiologic normal position. The purpose of this study was to investigate (i) whether the new tensor enabled us to evaluate intraoperative softtissue balance properly and (ii) whether the intraoperative softtissue balance influenced postoperative outcomes, such as range of motion and valgus/ varus instability.