Why Orthopedic Surgeons Choose Computer-Assisted Technology
Computer-Assisted technology allows for better visualization of anatomy, which is particularly important when minimally-invasive techniques are used. This technology provides your surgeon with comprehensive data about your anatomy which may result in more exact placement of your joint replacement, allowing the surgeon to more accurately plan for your surgery with a partial 3-dimensional model of your knee.2 It also provides the surgeon with control, feedback and the ability to correct potential errors during the surgery.1
Potential Benefits of Computer-Assisted Surgery
There are several potential benefits for those that have computer-assisted surgery with their total joint replacement:
- Designed to help your surgeon place joint replacement implants with precision, which may increase the life of your replacement1
- Reduces the risk of dislocation and revision surgery1
- Results in greater stability and range of motion3,4
- Helps improve the overall function of your joint replacement4
Computer-assisted surgery may allow for less-invasive surgical techniques, which have several other potential advantages, including:
- Reduced blood loss during surgery, which lessens the need for a blood transfusion8
- Faster recovery7
- Reduced length of your hospital stay6
- Shorter post-operative physical rehabilitation7
- Less scarring5,7
References
- Sikorski JM, Chauhan S. Computer-Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery: Do we need CAOS? J Bone Joint Surg 2003; 85- B:319-23.
- Noble PC, Sugano N, Johnston JD, Thompson MT, Conditt MA, Engh CA Sr, Mathis KB. Computer Simulation: How can it help the surgeon optimize implant position? CORR. 2003 Dec; (417):242-52.
- Widmer KH, Grutzner PA. Joint replacement-total hip replacement with CT-based navigation. Injury. 2004 Jun; 35 Suppl. 1:S-A84-9.
- Klein GR, Parvizi J, Venkat RR, Mathew AS, Hozack WJ. Evaluation of in vivo knee kinematics by a computerized navigation system during total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2004 Dec; Vol. 19:986-91.
- Keggi, Kristaps. Total hip arthroplasty through a minimally invasive anterior surgical approach, JBJS, Vol. 85-A.
- Tria AJ, Minimal Incision Total knee Arthroplasty, CORR 2003, Vol 416.
- Zanasi, Stefano. Minimally Invasive Computer-assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty through a Subvastus Approach, October 2006. Article from: Orthosupersite.com.
- Kalairajah, et al. Blood Loss after total knee replacement, JBJS, Vol. 87-B, No. 11, Nov. 2005.