What is the procedure for using computer-assisted navigation?

It’s basically a “small GPS system” that the surgeon uses during a knee replacement procedure. It employs infrared technology to ‘correctly align the components,’ allowing the surgeon to devise and carry out a surgical plan with minimal tissue disruption and bone removal. The procedure for using computer-assisted knee replacement surgery typically involves the following steps:

1.       Preoperative planning: Before the surgery, the surgeon will obtain a series of images of the patient's knee joint using computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These images are then uploaded into the computer software, which creates a 3D model of the patient's knee joint. The surgeon can then use this model to plan the optimal alignment and positioning of the knee implant.

2.       Intraoperative setup: During the surgery, the patient's knee joint is exposed and prepared for the implantation of the artificial knee components. Small, infrared-emitting devices called trackers are attached to the patient's bones, typically the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). These trackers are used to track the position and movement of the bones in real-time during the surgery.

3.       Navigation system activation: The computer-assisted navigation system is then activated, and the infrared cameras in the operating room track the movement of the trackers in real-time. The information is fed into the computer software, which creates a virtual model of the patient's knee joint on the computer screen.

4.       Alignment and positioning guidance: Using the virtual model, the surgeon can visualize the optimal alignment and positioning of the knee implant components. The computer-assisted navigation system provides real-time feedback and guidance to the surgeon, helping them accurately align and position the components according to the preoperative plan. This can help minimize tissue disruption and bone removal, as the surgeon can precisely place the components with minimal guesswork.

5.       Completion of surgery: Once the surgeon is satisfied with the alignment and positioning of the knee implant components, the surgery is completed as per the standard knee replacement surgical technique. The incisions are closed, and the patient is taken to the recovery room for postoperative care.

It's important to note that computer-assisted navigation is just one of the many tools available to orthopedic surgeons during knee replacement surgery. The decision to use computer-assisted navigation depends on various factors, including the surgeon's experience and expertise, the patient's specific anatomy and condition, and the availability of the technology in the surgical facility. The surgeon will determine the most appropriate surgical approach and techniques for each individual patient's needs