When performing Total Knee Replacement it is important to have the implants well aligned. This enables the weight bearing axis to fall evenly through the implant, and thus ensure its longevity.
In much the same way as poor wheel alignment in your car causes uneven tyre wear, if your knee replacement is poorly aligned it can result in early failure and an uncomfortable or unstable knee.
Computer Navigation allows the surgeon to use a computer and associated graphical representation on a monitor to more closely and reproducibly align the components well. The surgeon can also record this data so that proof of alignment is seen.
Computer navigation is especially useful in cases where past surgery or injury has distorted anatomy, making conventional techniques difficult or impossible.
