Computer-assisted navigation is a recent advance in knee replacement that is already demonstrating more consistently accurate results than traditional methods.
The success of a total knee replacement has been closely linked to accurate alignment and implantation of the parts. Like a car whose faulty alignment may lead to premature wear of the tires, malaligned total knees are prone to early failure.
How Computer-Assisted Navigation Works
Minimally invasive wireless "pointers" and "trackers" send data pertaining to knee movement (kinematics) to the computer.
These data are translated into real-time images that provide the surgeon with a comprehensive understanding of the knee mechanics before any bone is cut.
Additionally, these trackers are active throughout the surgery, providing the surgeon with intra-operative feedback regarding the accuracy of bone cuts and overall alignment and balance prior to final implantation of the prosthesis.
This translates into maximal consistency and accuracy for each patient.
Additionally, decreased blood loss has been observed with knee navigation because this form of ‘alignment guide’ does not violate the intramedullary canal of the femur.