Computer-Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery

Our practice strives to deliver care to our patient using cutting edge technologies that are proven. An example of this is computer-assisted navigation in orthopaedic surgery. It is known that one of the main causes of early failure in total knee replacement and total hip replacement is the malposition of components. The conventional technique that most surgeons subscribe to utilize manual mechanical alignment guide to determine where to make their bone cuts. This conventional technique has inherent error, and irregardless how skillful and experience a surgeon is, he or she still has a significant number of joint replacements that are in a less optimal position. In the quest to eliminate this error, Dr. Aram has been exploring the use of computer-assisted navigation since 2002. He has even traveled to Europe , where computer-assisted navigation is widely accepted, to learn the technique. It is with great enthusiasm that he finally got a Stryker Navigation System on August 2005. Currently, Dr. Aram uses this system to perform joint replacement surgery. The results so far have been as expected. The alignment of all components have been nearly perfect.

Computer-assisted surgery has been well accepted in many fields of surgery such as neurosurgery, otolaryngology, plastic reconstruction, and ophthalmology. A common example of the use of computer-assisted surgery is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), where an ophthalmologist uses the computer to control the laser to perfectly shape the cornea and subsequently correct your vision. In a similar way, computers can help orthopaedic surgeons to perfectly shape the ends of the bone for placement of the artificial implant. The results are bone cuts that are precise, and the implants are placed in accurate orientation. The end product is a joint replacement that is in proper alignment and tension, giving our patients better functioning joints that are long lasting.