A simple instrument for balancing flexion and extension gaps in total knee arthroplasty

We developed a gap measuring instrument for use in total knee arthroplasty which is easy to use and enables accurate bone resection such that a pre-selected insert can be used every time. When used in conjunction with a varying degree of posterior slope on the tibial cut, this instrument enables the flexion and extension gaps to be properly balanced. The use of this instrument reduces the operation time and makes total knee arthroplasty much easier and appears to lead to an extremely satisfactory range of movement.