What is Computer Navigation and how does it help in Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
The standard way of doing knee replacement involves placing a rod into the femur and making a standard cut of the end of the femur or the end of the bone based on the alignment of the rod and the femoral shaft (inside the bone of the femur). That is typically at the 5 to 6-degree angle. Computer Navigation marks points on the knee and move the knee around to establish the center of the hip, the center of the knee and the rotational alignment of the end of the femur (distal femur). The computer asses the natural mechanical access of the whole lower extremity. This natural mechanical access varies from individual to individual. It can be up to 3 degrees to 9 degrees. The computer navigation allows us to restore the natural mechanical access that you may have. In addition, it helps us establish the rotational alignment for femoral component which sits at the end of the femur. It also avoids the unnecessary trauma of placing a rod into the femoral shaft which is the traditional way of doing total knee replacement surgery. Dr. Kang personally believes this helps with blood loss and restores natural alignment. This will improve overall satisfaction and enjoyment you are going to have with your knee replacement.