Knee conditions normally involve disease or injury that can disturb the normal functioning of the joint. This can result in knee pain, weakness, instability, and limited movement. With longer life expectancy and greater activity levels, joint replacement is being performed in greater numbers on patients thanks to new advances in artificial joint technology provided by the orthopedic surgeon.

This joint is formed by two or more bones that are connected by thick bands of tissue called ligaments.

The knee is the largest joint in the body and is made up of three main parts:

• The lower end of the thigh bone, or femur.
• The upper end of the shin bone, or tibia.
• The kneecap, or patella.

At some time in life, you may experience knee pain.

Computer-assisted surgery is surgery that is performed with the aid of computer technology.

Benefits

Computers can take the “guess work” out of surgery. It allows the surgery to be done with greater precision and accuracy.

Why is it important in knee replacement?

Many studies have shown that knee replacements that are performed well (for example, well-aligned and balanced) are likely to last longer and feel better. In addition, it can shorten the hospital stay and decrease recovery time.

Computer-assisted surgery can help the surgeon align the patient’s bone and implants with a degree of accuracy not possible with the naked eye. It can also help in ligament balancing that can ensure better range of motion and a more natural functioning knee replacement.

What are other benefits of computer-assisted surgery?

Computer-assisted surgery increases the precision and accuracy, and gives the surgeon real-time feedback during the surgery. This procedure also decreases errors by alerting the surgeon to potential pitfalls before they are performed. It gives the surgeon the confidence to perform the surgery with precision and control.