Do spacer blocks accurately estimate deformity correction and gap balance in total knee arthroplasty? A prospective study with computer navigation.

Background: Spacer blocks are used commonly in knee arthroplasty to estimate gaps and ligament balance. Their use continues along with modern technology despite dearth of literature regarding their accuracy and reliability. This prospective study aims to determine the difference in values of gap and balance measurements between spacers and trials in computer assisted TKA.