Overview
Computer-assisted surgery allows surgeons to align the patient's joint replacement with a degree of accuracy not possible with the naked eye. This technology can be used with both hip replacements and knee replacements. Using an infrared camera and sensors on the instruments, the computer gives real-time feedback to the surgeon. The computer tells the surgeon how much bone is being cut to the millimeter and what angle the bone is being cut to a fraction of a degree.
Computer-assisted hip replacement surgery
Computer-assisted hip replacement surgery gives orthopaedic surgeons greater ability to perform less invasive procedures due to the enhanced surgical visualization. It also allows more accurate hip implant alignment and positioning by providing an advanced connection to medical technologies.
Computer-assisted hip replacement software helps surgeons visualize more than what can normally be seen through incisions and takes critical measurements throughout the surgery that are not possible without the assistance of computers.
Should I Have Computer-Assisted Surgery ?
Computer-assisted surgery is just developing, and there is certainly not enough known about CAS to say that it will lead to better results than standard surgical procedures. CAS has been shown to make it less likely that limb alignment problems will occur after knee replacement surgery, but the computer models do not eliminate the chance of these errors being made. Furthermore, computer modeling does not take into account the soft tissues around the joint, which are as critical as the bone-alignment of the extremity. Therefore, current CAS only address a part of the problem of implant alignment.
CAS is an interesting development, but it is just that at this point. Efforts are being made to develop computer models that also take into account the soft tissues around the joint, so that a joint replacement implant can be as accurately placed as possible.
Computer assisted Knee Replacement Surgery
The system helps in:
- Ligament balancing.
- Patello femoral tracking.
- Equal flexion and extension gaps.
- Restoration of Mechanical axis of limb.
Computer assisted Hip Replacement Surgery
The system helps in:
- Range of motion analysis before surgery.
- Restoration of soft tissue balance.
- Restoration of limb length.
- Minimally invasive technique.
Advantages of Computer Guided Surgery
- Minimal risk of Pulmonary embolism
- Increased implant longevity.
- 3 Dimensional planning.
- No radiation during surgery.
- Constant guidance, monitoring and confirmation during surgery.
- Range of motion analysis to achieve maximum function.
- Minimally invasive surgery, hence
- Correct implant selection and placement.
- Decreased incidence of pulmonary embolism in knee surgery.
- Reduced complications like
- Dislocation.
- Impingement.
- Limb length inequality
Comparison between conventional and computer assisted surgery
Computer Assisted Surgery |
Conventional Surgery |
Minimal risk of pulmonay embolism | High risk of pulmonary embolism |
3 Dimensional planning | 2 Dimensional planning. |
Direct measurement = accurate sizing. | X-ray magnification affects implant selection. |
No Jig, minimum instruments | Multiple jigs and instruments. |
Implant placement precise | Implant placement by intuition. |
Minimal chance of hip dislocation. | Chances of hip dislocation. |
Precise ligament balance | Chances of error in ligament balance |
Precise axis restoration | Approximate Axis restoration |
Precise length restoration. | Approximate Length restoration. |
Pre op simulated range of motion analysis. | Range of motion analysis not possible |
Computer Assisted Surgery
- Minimal risk of pulmonay embolism
- 3 Dimensional planning.
- Direct measurement = accurate sizing.
- No Jig, minimum instruments.
- Implant placement precise.
- Minimal chance of hip dislocation.
- Precise ligament balance.
- Precise axis restoration.
- Precise length restoration.
- Pre op simulated range of motion analysis.
Conventional Surgery
- High risk of pulmonary embolism
- 2 Dimensional planning.
- X-ray magnification affects implant selection.
- Multiple jigs and instruments.
- Implant placement by intuition.
- Chances of hip dislocation.
- Chances of error in ligament balance.
- Approximate Axis restoration.
- Approximate Length restoration.
- Range of motion analysis not possible.
Should I Have Computer-Assisted Surgery ?
Computer-assisted surgery is just developing, and there is certainly not enough known about CAS to say that it will lead to better results than standard surgical procedures. CAS has been shown to make it less likely that limb alignment problems will occur after knee replacement surgery, but the computer models do not eliminate the chance of these errors being made. Furthermore, computer modeling does not take into account the soft tissues around the joint, which are as critical as the bone-alignment of the extremity. Therefore, current CAS only address a part of the problem of implant alignment.
CAS is an interesting development, but it is just that at this point. Efforts are being made to develop computer models that also take into account the soft tissues around the joint, so that a joint replacement implant can be as accurately placed as possible.
What are the patient benefits of computer-assisted surgery ?
Computer assisted surgery gives orthopaedic surgeons greater capabilities to perform less invasive procedures due to enhanced visualization. A smaller incision made during your hip replacement surgery means less trauma to the underlying muscles and soft tissues as well as less blood loss. This leads to a shorter hospital stay, shorter rehabilitation and a faster return to a greater quality of life.
Because computer-assisted surgery allows more precise alignment and placement of the hip implant it may also extend the lifespan of your hip replacement by reducing uneven wear. It also may help increase your range of motion.
In essence, computer-assisted surgery is like a GPS system for orthopaedic surgeons. It allows for longer-lasting implants and fewer complications. Talk to your orthopaedic surgeon to find out if computer-assisted hip replacement surgery is an available option for you.
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