What is the role of CAS (computer-aided surgery) or ‘navigation’ in Joint Replacements?
With the aid of some laser markers put on bones and instruments, a computer software can ‘guide’ the surgeon regarding the direction of bone cuts, and magnitude of soft-tissue releases. However, apart from a few complicated cases, with the most severe deformities, this computer ‘guidance’ has not been found ...to add to the accuracy of surgeons well-trained and experienced in Joint Replacements. On the other hand, it makes the surgery longer (thereby increasing the surgical morbidity and infection rate), and more expensive (the navigation system comes at a prohibitive price!).
With the aid of some laser markers put on bones and instruments, a computer software can ‘guide’ the surgeon regarding the direction of bone cuts, and magnitude of soft-tissue releases. However, apart from a few complicated cases, with the most severe deformities, this computer ‘guidance’ has not been found ...to add to the accuracy of surgeons well-trained and experienced in Joint Replacements. On the other hand, it makes the surgery longer (thereby increasing the surgical morbidity and infection rate), and more expensive (the navigation system comes at a prohibitive price!).
However, few orthopaedic surgeons find it more comforting to use technology, to be sure of their accuracy, and to convince patients that they are giving the best results, which may not be always the case
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