Navigation-guided Knee Replacement
The navigation-guided knee replacement is also known as computer-assisted knee replacement. This entails the use of technology to guide surgeons as they perform knee replacement surgeries. The doctor makes use of a computer navigation machine, which enables the doctors to digitally monitor the steps of the surgery on a screen. It makes use of real-time infra-red wave communication to guide the positions of individual bones. It is important to mention that this is different from robotic surgeries. (1)
The surgery is entirely performed by the surgeon. It does not replace the technical skill a doctor is expected to have to be able to perform knee replacement surgery. (3)
How does Navigation-guided Knee Replacement work?
In knee replacement surgery, the computer navigation software will measure excellently the position of your shin and your thigh bones (which are the femur bones) and the surgical instruments to each other, helping to calculate bone alignment and helping to support accurate position and where to place the implants. The system also helps the surgeon to react and verify accurate treatment measures during your surgery or, if necessary correct previous errors.
Accurate placement of the artificial knee components is very important to the overall function of a new knee joint and will also help the implants to last longer. (2)
It uses infra-red wave communication to help your surgeon to create and successfully perform a surgical plan that will lead to less bone removal or disruption of your body tissues. It also makes the surgery faster with the aid of its better techniques. (4)
Who would Benefit from Navigation-guided Knee Replacement?
Once your doctor qualifies and certifies you fit for knee replacement surgery, you are also automatically qualified to benefit from computer-assisted surgery or navigation-guided knee replacement. Especially, in complicated cases, such as obesity, if you once had a fracture to your long bones or any other bone deformities.
Is the Recovery any different from the Traditional Knee Replacement?
Recovery is not in any way different from traditional knee replacement surgery. You will start walking with the aid of crutches the day after surgery and you will also need the walking aids for nothing less than six weeks just like the traditional surgery method, your doctor will also refer you to the physiotherapist to fasten your recovery journey. (1)
Benefits of Navigation-guided Knee Replacement
There are lots of things you will benefit from the navigation/computer-assisted knee replacement;
1. It gives you a personalized form of treatment because the computer is working with your body structure.
2. The implant positioning is very accurate.
3. It saves you the cost of having to do expensive tests like the CT scan. (4)
4. It reduces the risk of embolism and blood loss common with a traditional knee replacement.
5. It gives better soft tissue balancing.
6. The bone alignment is more accurate.
7. Overall, it gives a better functional outcome. (3)
8. It protects you from staying longer in the hospital and hence, gives you access to early rehabilitation. (4)
REFERENCES:
1. https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/treatments/computer-assisted-navigation-total-knee-replacement
4. https://arthrotech.gr/en/computer-assisted-total-knee-replacement-computer-navigation/
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