Computer Navigation in Knee Surgery

Computer Navigation

Accurate positioning of implants during joint replacement surgery has been shown to reduce the rate of failure and reduce the rate of revision surgery (where the primary joint replacement has to be changed) Computer Navigation is a useful addition to both hip and knee replacement surgery and Dr. Thornton-Bott uses it in both.

Navigation involves the use of a computer based 3D tracking system. Special trackers are attached to the patient and the bones are then ‘Registered’ using a seperate hand-held tracker device. The computer can then accurately show the position of the patient’s pelvis, hip, or knee. Once this image is created, the system can then accurately guide the positioning of the implants, either knee or hip components to improve accuracy of positioning and hence ensure optimum function and longevity of the replacement joint.