Computer-Assisted Surgery

A Giant Step Forward in Joint Replacement

If you’re reading this website, chances are you (or a loved one) are considering or preparing for joint replacement surgery.

Leading Technology

During a joint replacement procedure, your surgeon will strive to ensure that everything is aligned properly. Accurate alignment of the hip or knee components is critical to the overall function of your new joint. A well-aligned hip or knee replacement is less likely to dislocate and may last longer.^1,2

Orthopaedic surgeons have the ability to navigate joint replacement procedures with more accuracy than ever before.

Stryker’s computer-assisted technology can help your surgeon work more efficiently with less invasive techniques and help align implants to your unique anatomy.

What are some of the reasons orthopaedic surgeons choose computer-assisted technology?

• Provides your surgeon with comprehensive data about your anatomy which may help determine proper placement of your joint replacement
• Ability to plan for surgery with a computer generated model of your hip or knee
• Provides the surgeon with feedback and the ability to correct potential misalignment during the surgery
• Allows for better visualization of anatomy, which is particularly important when minimally-invasive techniques are used

References:

1. Coventry MB. Two-part total knee arthroplasty: evolution and present status. Clin Orthop 1973; 145: 29-36.
2. Lotke PA, Ecker ML. Influence of positioning of prosthesis in total knee replacement. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 1977; 59-A: 77-9.

Potential Benefits of Computer-Assisted Surgery

• May help to reduce joint wear and extend the life of the implant^{1, 2}

Computer-assisted surgery may allow for less-invasive surgical techniques, which have other potential advantages, including:

• Shorter post-operative physical rehabilitation³
• Smaller incision⁴
• Less blood loss compared to a standard knee replacement⁵

What Happens During Surgery?

Specifically, the technology uses the latest advancements in science and computer engineering to help contribute to accurate positioning of the implants. As the surgeon moves an instrument within your joint, special infrared trackers calculate its position and wireless instruments instantaneously transfer the data to a computer in the OR. This information is then displayed on a monitor as an interactive model of the anatomy or “blueprint” that supplies the surgeon with the angles, lines and measurements of your unique anatomy.

The surgeon will then replace the diseased bone with new, artificial joint components often called prostheses or implants. Joint implants are engineered to closely replicate a normal, healthy joint.

With certain techniques, your surgeon may use pins that hold trackers around the incision site of your joint. These temporary placeholders give the computer key information and may make the surgery even more exact, but it does mean the possibility of additional scarring at the pin points.

Remember, even if your doctor recommends hip or knee replacement for you, the final decision is yours.

Talk to your doctor about the types of joint surgery appropriate for you and the risks associated with any surgery.

For more information visit AboutStryker.com, and contact your doctor.

References:

1. Coventry MB. Two-part total knee arthroplasty: evolution and present status. Clin Orthop 1973; 145: 29-36.
2. Lotke PA, Ecker ML. Influence of positioning of prosthesis in total knee replacement. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 1977; 59-A: 77-9.
3. Zanasi, Stefano. Minimally invasive computer-assisted total Knee arthroplasty through a subvastus approach, Oct. 2006. Article from: Orthosupersite.com, accessed Feb. 2011.
4. Keggi, Kristaps. Total hip arthroplasty through a minimally invasive anterior surgical approach, JBJS, Vol. 85-A.
5. Kalairajah, et al., Blood loss after total knee replacement, JBJS, Vol. 87-B, No. 11, Nov. 2005.