Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) helps the surgeon precisely align the artificial knee joint in the bone and may increase the long term effectiveness of knee replacements.
During computer-assisted surgery, a model of the knee is developed using information taken from a special instrument that outlines the contour of the knee. An infrared camera attached to a computer sees signals from this instrument. The computer then develops a model of the knee. This image is projected onto a monitor and helps guide the surgeon's attachment of the artificial implant to the bone. Along with the surgeon's skill and experience, CAS provides exact referencing of surgical bone removal for more precise alignment of the implant. The result is a knee that is better aligned and will last longer.
A good way to understand the value of CAS it to compare it to a car’s tires. If the front wheels are a little misaligned, it still feels fine when you drive…but the tires wear out at 30,000 miles instead of 60,000 miles. If a knee replacement is even five degrees off, it may work fine in the beginning, but it won’t last as long as one that is ideally aligned.
While other hospitals perform CAS, and still others perform minimally invasive surgery (MIS), Evergreen now has the ability to combine both technologies, providing patients with the alignment of CAS and the patient comfort and earlier recovery of MIS.
Evergreen Orthopedic Research Lab
Evergreen is a leader in blending the two technologies thanks to the Evergreen Orthopedic Research Lab, a leading edge research lab where orthopedic surgeons refine their surgical techniques and redesign and test instruments needed for the procedures.
The Center is a destination learning center for surgeons, nurses and technicians from all over the United States. They come here to get practical experience in the operating room, or to get hands-on experience in the lab with minimally invasive surgery with computer-assisted surgical techniques.
For referral to an Evergreen-affiliated orthopedic surgeon who performs computer-assisted surgery, please call the Evergreen Healthline at 425.899.3000.
Physicians wanting more information on the Evergreen Orthopedic Research Center can call 206.713.6635.