Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): Step-by-Step Surgical Photo Tour • Step 12 of 24
Surgical Step Description
Placement of the distal femoral retractor to protect the resected tibial bone surface while tensioning the posterior capsule to permit direct visual inspection and palpation of the flexion space.
Master Class Pro-Tip: Intraoperative Pearl
Inspect the flexion gap with laminar spreaders early to detect asymmetrical medial-lateral tension before making femoral bone cuts; addressing tight structures early ensures a balanced, rectangular gap.
Master Class Pro-Tip: Early Flexion Gap Symmetry Assessment
Curator & Series Attribution
Curated by Dr. Joseph Bernstein, MD (Director of Education) • Managing Editor: Dr. Christian Veillette, MD • OrthopaedicsOne Surgical Education Series • Adult Reconstruction: Knee
Last Updated on September 28, 2026
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