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Computer Assisted Surgery Helps Surgeons Navigate |
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 Similar
to a pilot using navigation equipment to "see" while flying when
visibility is poor, computer-assisted surgery (CAS) allows orthopedic
surgeons to view areas of the anatomy during hip and knee replacement
surgery.
As joint replacement surgery techniques advance with smaller and
smaller incisions, the direct "line of sight" to certain areas of a
person's body is decreased. CAS gives a three-dimensional image
of the anatomy, allowing the surgeon to accurately plan and evaluate a
cut during surgery before the cut is actually made. Using CAS,
the surgeon is able to better see any areas that are not directly
visible.
CAS works with infrared lights that reflect off of
special balls placed on the shin and thigh bones. The reflected
image is then relayed to a computer which uses data points to create an
image of the body. Special instruments tracked by the computer
allow the surgeon to determine the result of any planned surgical cut
or joint implant placement. Dr. William Barrett is part of a nationwide study evaluating the effectiveness of CAS with knee replacement surgery. The two-year VOA Research Foundation
study compares the accuracy of CAS knee replacement with traditional
knee replacement techniques using mechanical instruments to guide the
cuts. VOA is excited about the use of this advanced technology and will post updates as the study progresses. |
