Computer-Navigated Knee Replacement

⚙️What This Procedure Involves

The surgical procedure is largely the same as a conventional knee replacement. Small pins are placed in the femur and tibia to hold infrared tracking markers. A camera system tracks these markers in three dimensions, providing the surgeon with real-time information about mechanical axis alignment, bone cut angles, and soft tissue balance. The bone cuts are made using conventional instruments, guided by the navigation data. The pins are removed at the end. The operation takes a similar time to conventional surgery or slightly longer.

💡Why It May Be Recommended

Navigation improves alignment accuracy and reduces outliers compared to conventional instrumentation. It is particularly useful for complex cases, post-traumatic knees, extra-articular deformity, and knees where conventional alignment landmarks are unreliable.

⚖️Non-Operative Alternatives

All the same non-operative options as conventional knee replacement. Conventional (non-navigated) and robotic-assisted knee replacement are surgical alternatives.

📋Preparing for Surgery

No additional imaging is needed for navigation (unlike robotic surgery, which requires a pre-operative CT). Standard pre-assessment.

✅Expected Benefits

More accurate and consistent implant alignment. Reduced outliers. Preservation of the mechanical axis. Potential for improved long-term implant survival, though this is still being evaluated in long-term studies.

⚠️Common Risks

• Same risks as conventional knee replacementExpected

  All standard risks apply.

• Pin site discomfortCommon

  Tracker pin sites may be sore for a few weeks.

• Slightly longer operating timeCommon

  Navigation adds approximately 10-15 minutes.

🔴Less Common but Serious Risks

• Pin site fractureRare

  Very rare fracture through the tracker pin holes.

• System malfunctionRare

  The navigation system may malfunction, requiring conversion to conventional technique.

• All standard knee replacement risksSee standard risks

  Infection, blood clots, stiffness, loosening.

💉Anaesthetic Considerations

General or spinal anaesthesia — same as conventional.

🏃Recovery and Rehabilitation

Identical to conventional knee replacement.

📅Follow-Up

Same as conventional knee replacement.

❓Frequently Asked Questions