Fig. 1A–C.

(A) The tensor used in this study consisted of an upper seesaw plate, a lower platform plate, and an extraarticular main body. The central joint gap and the ML soft tissue balance (tilting angle) could be measured though the entire ROM. (B) The tensor had an offset arm allowing measurement with the patella reduced during minimally invasive TKA (flexed left knee, the right side shows the proximal part of the leg). (C) A joint distraction force of 40 lb (18 kg) was applied to the tensor during gap measurements.