Computer-Assisted Knee & Hip Replacement Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeon Vance Askins, MD of Gulfcoast Orthopaedic Center is performing at Sarasota Memorial Hospital what only a small percentage of surgeons across the country have been able to offer: Computer-assisted total knee and hip replacement surgery with an Oxinium component. This new procedure is possible via funding by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation in combination with support from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. “Sarasota Memorial Hospital is ranked number 36th in the country for Orthopaedics and this was the next step to keep us on the cutting edge of technology,” states Dr. Askins.

Joints are an integral part of keeping our bodies in motion. As we age, our joints, especially our hip and knee joints, hinder activity – Not any more. CAS in conjunction with components of Oxinium is an orthopaedic success story, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to live fuller, more active lives. The Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) procedure, developed by Brainlab in conjunction with global medical device maker Smith & Nephew, uses a proprietary computer and camera system to track the precise locations of bones relative to the instruments used during surgery. The application enables Dr. Askins to make computer-guided cuts to within 1mm and 1-degree of perfect alignment, a rarity in joint replacement surgery. During a traditional procedure, the surgeon relies upon cutting blocks, personal estimates of proper joint alignment, and the general feel of the joint in the determination of implant placement.

Implant alignment during joint replacement surgery is vital. This procedure not only enables a higher degree of accuracy, but by eliminating certain steps required in traditional joint surgery, it is also a much less invasive technique.

In addition, real time images of the instruments and the joint implant itself can be superimposed over the patient’s bones on the computer screen. Surgeons using the software can therefore determine the fit and alignment of the new implants before ever making the first cut.

"Patients benefit tremendously from the cutting edge technology of CAS," explains Dr. Askins, "plus my active patients benefit from an Oxinium joint that wears less than standard joints meaning the implant should last longer.”

“Oxinium represents the first real advance in materials of total knee and hip replacement in 20 years,” states Dr. Askins. “This is the perfect solution for the younger patient.” Oxinium has a ceramic-like surface that gives the material the significant advantage over its predecessor, cobalt chrome. Oxinium implants have remarkable strength over ceramic implants, which can fracture.

CAS benefits to the patient:

For the hip, the alignment of cup and stem is optimized, which helps prevent dislocations and near-term revisions. And leg length is controlled, reducing the potential for leg-length discrepancies
For the knee, the elimination of a rod inserted into the canal of the femur to assess alignment of the implant, thereby reducing the risk of fat embolism and taking the guesswork out of joint alignment.
The opportunity for a surgeon to “see” how the implant will fit prior to cutting the bones
Using the computer system, surgeons can make very precise adjustments to the ligaments.

This is the future of orthopaedic surgery. Fortunately, residents in this area can stay close to home to receive this cutting-edge technology. Why have your surgeon guess, when the computer will tell him exactly where to cut?

Also see; hip replacement treatment.

About The Author:

Susan Nichols is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. Information on hip replacement; the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, surgery and treatment for recovery and rebuilding your body.