What is Navigation?

Computer navigation in orthopedic surgery, also known as computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS), involves the use of advanced computer technology to enhance the precision and accuracy of surgical procedures. In orthopedic surgery, computer navigation systems are commonly used for joint replacement surgeries such as knee replacement, hip replacement and shoulder replacement.

Here's how it works:

• Preoperative Planning: Before the surgery, the surgeon uses special software to create a detailed 3D model of the patient's anatomy based on CT scans or MRI images. This allows the surgeon to plan the optimal placement of implants and make adjustments based on the patient's unique anatomy. Some systems do not require any preoperative 3D imaging and use intraoperative joint mapping to create the model.

• Intraoperative Navigation: During the surgery, the computer navigation system provides real-time feedback to the surgeon, guiding them in positioning implants with high accuracy. This is achieved using various tracking devices and sensors that are attached to the patient's bones and surgical instruments. The system continuously tracks the position and orientation of these instruments relative to the patient's anatomy, allowing the surgeon to make precise adjustments as needed.

• Verification and Validation: Throughout the procedure, the computer navigation system verifies the placement of implants against the preoperative plan, ensuring that the surgical outcome aligns with the intended goals. This helps minimize errors and reduces the risk of complications such as implant malalignment or instability.
  

Overall, computer navigation in orthopedic surgery offers several potential benefits, including improved surgical accuracy, better implant positioning, reduced risk of complications, and potentially faster recovery times for patients. However, it requires specialized training and expertise to use effectively, and not all orthopedic procedures may benefit from this technology.