Computer-aided Navigation in Orthopaedic Surgery

Joint replacement surgery has evolved over the last 30 years to become one of the most common and predictable procedures in an Orthopaedic surgeons repertoire. Nonetheless, problems with malalignment, loosening, longevity and survivability still arise. Implant survival is multifactorial but proper alignment and orientation of the prosthetic components is an important issue. This is even more important when there is severe deformity or bone loss. The use of computer aided surgery enables surgeons to plan their surgery and optimise placement of implants.

Computer aided or computer "navigated" surgery has become very popular in recent years. It utilizes a tracking system and pre-programmed software to provide a "map" of the operative field. Potentially greater precision and accuracy is possible and this is also especially useful when operating on limbs which are difficult to access or which have severe deformities precluding conventional techniques.

In the last few years Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) in Orthopaedics has taken off tremendously. The technique not only involves a smaller, more cosmetic incision, but more importantly minimizes soft tissue trauma to expedite post-operation recovery for patients. While many joint operations are now performed arthroscopically (key-hole surgery), some operations such as joint replacement still require an open incision. Navigation surgery helps the surgeon to "see" even when using very small incisions.

Pictured to the left is a patient one day after undergoing computer navigated MIS total knee replacement at NUH.

Our Joint Replacement surgeons who perform computer navigated knee replacements such as Dr Wilson Wang, Dr Kevin Lee and Dr Andrew Dutton are available for consultation at NUH Specialist Outpatient Clinics daily. For appointments, click here.

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