Computer Navigated Total Knee Replacement

Mr Janardhan Rao on Wed, 01 Apr 2009

The Chester Hip and Knee Unit has excellent outcome from Computer Navigated Total Knee Replacement. Total knee replacement has taken a stride forward with an innovative approach to knee surgery.

Just the same as satellite navigation has improved the direction taken by drivers, the computer is adding to the refinement of knee surgery. The computers give an on screen display of the range of movements of the knee before and after surgery. There is an added benefit in that the contours of the knee are mapped into the computer which advises on the appropriate size of implant for each individual patient.

Mr. Janardhan Rao the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Chester Hip and Knee Unit, discussed the benefits. "The computer does not replace the skills and expertise of the well trained surgeon, it gives me the added information during the operation, to give the patients the best possible outcome from surgery". When asked about the other benefits of the new technology, he went on to say, "The guides not only give real time feedback throughout the operation, there is also the advantage that I no longer need to use the older rods and jigs which were on the standard system, these rods used to cause more bleeding".

Computer Navigated Total Knee Replacement as a procedure is currently being performed at the Chester Hip and Knee unit based at the Nuffield Health in the Chester Grosvenor Hospital.