Devices and methods to prevent joint instability following arthroplasty

A kit, comprising:

• a distractor configured to separate a first bone from a second bone adjacent to the first bone, the distractor having a first member and a second member configured to be positioned between the first bone and the second bone, the first member including a first side portion and a second side portion, the first member being movable with respect to the second member to thereby separate the first bone from the second bone, wherein the first member is selectively movable in:
• a first mode of operation, wherein said first side portion of said first member and said second side portion of said first member move together with one another in a manner such that a first distance between the first side portion of the first member and the second member and a second distance between the second side portion of the first member and the second member are equal to one another;
• a second mode of operation, wherein said first side portion of said first member and said second side portion of said first member move together with one another in a manner such that the first distance and the second distance are not equal to one another;
• and
• a third mode of operation, wherein said first side portion of said first member and said second side portion of said first member move independently of one another in a manner such that the first distance and the second distance are adjustable independently from one another,
• the distractor further configured to receive at least one sensor in the first member;
• a plurality of trial elements, each of the trial elements corresponding to a corresponding one of a plurality of surgical implants, each of the trial elements being configured to be temporarily coupled to the second bone so as to evaluate suitability of the corresponding one of the plurality of surgical implants for implantation, each of the trial elements further configured to receive at least one sensor;
• at least one sensor configured to be selectively received in the distractor or one of the plurality of trial elements, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to record at least one of a magnitude of a force, a direction of application of a force, a pressure mapping, and/or a location of application of a force.