Knee surgeries performed privately at St. Remigius Hospital, Opladen
In the field of orthopedics, a significant advancement is being made with the use of Computer-Assisted Navigation (CAN) in knee joint replacement surgery. This technology offers several advantages over operating room (OR) robots, particularly in contributing to individualized treatment and improving patient outcomes.
Advantages of Computer-Assisted Navigation
Computer navigation functions as an advanced guidance tool, providing real-time imaging and feedback to the surgeon. Unlike fully robotic systems, the surgeon remains fully in control, with the ability to adjust and plan based on the patient's unique anatomy during the procedure. This surgeon control and flexibility reduce the dependence on complex robotic arms, potentially simplifying setup and reducing the risk of technical failures that could prolong surgery.
Moreover, CAN assists in accurate implant alignment and ligament tensioning by providing navigational data and intraoperative visualization, contributing to optimal implant placement customized for each patient’s anatomy. The system's precision in implant positioning and soft tissue balancing helps minimize unnecessary ligament releases and tissue disruption, leading to less postoperative pain and faster recovery.
The technology also tends to have a potentially shorter learning curve and setup than robotic systems, making it easier to adopt and integrate into existing surgical workflows.
Contribution to Individualized Treatment
Computer navigation provides real-time 3D imaging and detailed anatomical mapping, enabling surgeons to tailor implant positioning for each patient's unique joint structure and ligament balance. The system helps the surgeon assess how changes in bone cuts or implant position affect ligament tension before actual bone cutting, allowing planning for the least invasive soft tissue releases and more balanced knee mechanics post-surgery.
Because navigation data feeds back immediately, surgeons can make on-the-fly adjustments based on the patient’s intraoperative anatomy rather than relying purely on generic mechanical guides or robotic presets.
Improved Patient Outcomes
The benefits of using computer navigation include more accurate alignment and implant positioning, reduced soft tissue trauma, reproducible outcomes, lower postoperative complications, and better function. Improved alignment and balanced soft tissue result in knee replacements that feel more natural and mobile, with better long-term durability.
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Ralf Decking, Chief of Orthopedics and Endoprothetics, has chosen the navigation system over an OR robot for knee joint operations. He emphasizes operating gently on the patient and ensuring quick mobility post-operation. The small differences in millimeters or degrees determined by the navigation system can significantly impact the long-term success of the endoprosthetic procedure and the quality of life for the patient.
The precise alignment can positively influence the lifespan of the artificial joint and the healing process. St. Remigius Hospital has been using a computer-assisted navigation system for knee joint operations for over a decade, and the navigation system's ability to provide individualized treatment contributes to improved treatment quality and patient satisfaction.
Every person's unique body build and gait pattern require individual treatment in knee joint replacement operations. The emphasis on gentle operation and quick mobility ensures a better quality of life for patients after knee joint replacement operations. The EndoProsthetics Center of Maximum Care performs over 100 knee joint replacement operations using the computer-controlled navigation system annually.
The rapid development of phenotyping in medicine is significant for the personalized approach in knee joint replacement operations using the navigation system. Unlike certain OR robots, no additional pre-examinations such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are required when using the navigation system.
In summary, computer-assisted navigation serves as a surgeon-driven, flexible technology that enhances precision and allows for highly individualized knee joint replacement surgery. It supports better implant positioning and soft tissue management, thereby contributing to improved pain control, recovery, and functional outcomes while maintaining surgeon autonomy compared to fully robotic systems.
- The surgeon-driven Computer-Assisted Navigation (CAN) system, used in knee joint replacement surgery, offers precise implant alignment and soft tissue management, contributing to improved pain control, recovery, and functional outcomes.
- CAN's real-time 3D imaging and detailed anatomical mapping allow for individualized treatment, enabling surgeons to tailor implant positioning for each patient's unique joint structure, promoting better long-term success and quality of life post-surgery.
