Surgical Navigation
Computer-assisted navigation brings GPS-like precision to orthopaedic surgery, improving implant alignment and helping deliver more predictable outcomes.
Computer-assisted navigation in orthopaedic surgery works on the same principle as a GPS system in a car. Infrared cameras and reflective trackers attached to surgical instruments and the patient's anatomy create a real-time, three-dimensional map of the operative field. The surgeon can see—on a screen in the operating theatre—exactly where each instrument is positioned relative to the patient's bones, enabling cuts and implant placement with sub-millimetre accuracy.
What Is Computer-Assisted Navigation?
Computer-assisted navigation in orthopaedic surgery works on the same principle as a GPS system in a car. Infrared cameras and reflective trackers attached to surgical instruments and the patient's anatomy create a real-time, three-dimensional map of the operative field. The surg
How Navigation Works in Joint Replacement
During a navigated total knee replacement, for example, the process unfolds as follows: Registration — The surgeon maps key anatomical landmarks on the patient's knee using a tracked pointer. The navigation system builds a virtual model of the joint. Planning — The system calcula
Benefits of Navigated Surgery
Published studies and registry data demonstrate several advantages of computer-navigated joint replacement: Improved implant alignment — Navigation reduces the incidence of outlier alignment (implants placed outside the target range) compared with conventional techniques. Reduced
When Is Navigation Used?
We employ computer-assisted navigation selectively in cases where precision is particularly critical: Primary total knee replacement, especially in patients with extra-articular deformity or previous trauma affecting bony landmarks. Revision joint replacement, where distorted ana
Navigation vs. Conventional Surgery
Navigation is a tool, not a replacement for surgical skill and judgement. It enhances the surgeon's ability to execute a plan accurately but does not replace the need for meticulous soft-tissue balancing, careful implant selection, and thoughtful post-operative management. Our su