Computer-Assisted Navigation Surgery for Joint Replacement
 A technique called computer-assisted navigation surgery uses a computer and image-guided camera. Navigation systems work by using infrared trackers that are placed on the body. They send data about joint movement to a computer monitor. Armed with this information, the surgeon can accurately judge exactly where to place the instruments, the location of where to cut the bone, and the exact placement of the implant. This concept of surgical navigation is similar to a real time GPS vehicle tracking system in which the location and movement of the vehicle is constantly displayed on a map.
Navigation surgery has contributed to extend life of knees and hips of total joint replacement patients through increased accuracy in placement of the component. |
