Computer-Assisted Surgery

As part of our effort to provide the best patient care possible, the Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group total joint specialists offer computer-assisted surgery (CAS) technology as an option in total joint replacement surgery.  CAS is also called Imaged-Guided Surgery or Surgical Navigation.

Computer-assisted surgery helps an orthopedic surgeon more precisely align your hip or knee implant and is also useful in pre-planning and guiding the correct anatomical position of displaced bone fragments in fractures.

CAS allows our orthopedic surgeons to visualize multi-dimensional views of the patient's anatomy on a monitor, and provides real-time, intra-operative views of surgical instruments and the relative digital positioning of surgical implant devices. Much like a car driver uses a GPS system for turn-by-turn directions, the surgeon depends on CAS images to confirm the position of their instruments in relation to the patient's anatomy.

Multi-dimensional anatomical images are generated from data obtained through digital X-ray, computer tomography (CT) scans, magnetic Resonance (MR), ultrasound, or fluoroscopy. 

During the surgical procedure, fixed sensors are applied to the patient and additional sensors are incorporated into the surgical instruments or implants. These surgical navigation data points allow the surgeon to view the precise angles and optimal positioning of the orthopaedic implant or the relative trajectory of the medical instrumentation.  Via this real time feedback, an orthopedic surgeon is assisted in placing implants accurately and consistently. 

The use of surgical navigation in orthopedic surgery can provide the surgeon with increased anatomical assessment and better placement of orthopedic implants, thereby improving the accuracy and potentially reducing the invasiveness of these procedures. Furthermore, these systems have the potential to be a useful adjunct to minimally invasive surgery by decreasing soft tissue damage and improving overall patient care.

Potential benefits of computer-assisted surgery (CAS):

• It allows a surgeon to make real-time adjustments to within a fraction of a degree, helping to ensure optimal "fit" for your joint.
  
  
• It provides a surgeon with a comprehensive view of your joint mechanics for better analysis and measurement.
  
  
• It helps your surgeon correctly position your joint in situations where it is otherwise difficult to get a good view of your anatomy.

While early studies regarding the use of computer-assisted surgery are encouraging in total joint replacement surgery, it will take several years to determine if the long term outcomes of CAS joint replacement patients are improved.  Please discuss computer-assisted surgery with your orthopedic surgeon to determine if it is right for you.