The success of knee replacement surgery depends on a number of different variables, including the patient's age and fitness, the severity of the arthritis and any accompanying deformity, the design of the prosthesis and the accuracy of the surgical technique.

One relatively recent development in the field of knee replacement surgery is the use of 'Computer Navigation'.

This is a system that uses small metal markers that are attached to the knee bones during the knee replacement surgery. A special optical tracking system in the operating theatre then allows precise measurements to be taken of the exact angles and alignment of the knee. This allows the surgical cuts that are made in the bone to be made extremely accurately, ensuring ideal placement of the prosthesis.

Research has proved that computer-navigated surgery improves the accuracy and reliability of the positioning of knee replacements. Research into this field is still ongoing, but it is anticipated that improved positioning of knee replacement prostheses should hopefully give improvement in the long term results, with better survivorship of the prosthesis due to decreased wear and tear.

Computer-navigated knee replacement surgery is one of the services available at London Sports Orthopaedics. The use of the additional equipment required does involve an additional expense, which, if you have medical insurance, may be covered by your insurer. For further information please contact us directly.

Article written by
Mr Ian McDermott
Consultant Knee Surgeon and Hip Surgeon, London & Northwood
Last updated 13/01/10