Orthopedic Surgical Navigation Systems use computer technology and advanced imaging to help guide surgical instruments and implants with great accuracy during orthopedic procedures. Though not as popular as robotic surgery systems yet, navigation techniques are being adopted at a fast pace in hospitals worldwide to improve surgical outcomes for patients undergoing joint replacements and other complex bone and tendon procedures. Let's explore more how these systems work and the various benefits they provide.
How do Navigation Systems Work?
Orthopedic Surgical Navigation System work by using preoperative 3D images from CT or MRI scans of the patient's bones and joints. Reflective markers or trackers are placed on the patient's anatomy and surgical instruments. Specialized cameras or sensors in the operating room track the position of these markers in 3D space in real-time during surgery. The images from preoperative scans are registered or aligned with the patient's position on the operating table. This allows the surgeon to visualize internal anatomy and implants overlaid on the patient with navigation computer screen in the OR. As instruments are moved, their position is dynamically tracked and displayed on screen to guide surgical steps.
Major Types of Navigation Systems
There are two major types of orthopedic navigation systems available - Optical navigation systems and Electromagnetic navigation systems:
- Optical systems use multiple infrared light emitting diodes and cameras to track reflective spheres placed on bones, implants and surgical tools for visualization. Optical trackers provide accurate positioning data.
- Electromagnetic systems employ generator probes placed away from the surgical field that produce electromagnetic fields.Receiver coils integrated into trackers provide information regarding a surgical tool's position and orientation within these fields.
Each technology has advantages and limitations. Optical trackers are line-of-sight dependent while electromagnetic systems can have interference from nearby metal objects in the OR. Hybrid optical-electromagnetic trackers also exist to leverage strengths of both.
Key Benefits of Orthopedic Surgical Navigation Systems
Precise implant positioning: Navigation helps achieve ideal alignment and leg length restoration as per preoperative surgical plan in total hip and knee replacements. This minimizes risk of early revisions or complications.
Complex procedures: Navigation guidance has proven especially valuable for complex revisions, deformity corrections, and pediatric joint reconstructions.
Custom implants: It allows creating patient-specific guides and 3D printed templates for osteotomies and custom implants.
Less invasive surgery: By acting as an intraoperative "GPS", navigation assists mini-incision and minimally invasive techniques for smaller scars and quicker recovery.
Education and research: Navigation data on implant sizing and positioning are digitally stored for trainees, performance audits and future trends analysis.
Applications Beyond Joints
While knee and hip replacements are most popular uses, navigation is gaining ground in other orthopedic areas:
- Spine surgery: Navigation helps guide placement of pedicle screws, interbody cages and instrumentation with vertebrae registered in 3D space.
- Shoulder arthroscopy: It aids arthroscopic repairs, reconstruction of shoulder ligaments and placements of implants and anchors.
- Foot/ankle surgery: Navigation guides fusion procedures, osteotomies, fracture reductions and implantation for complex ankle or hindfoot cases.
- Trauma surgery: Technology supports injury reductions, insertion of plates and screws in fractured bones like tibia with accurate preoperative planning.
- Pediatric orthopedics: Surgical navigation enhances guided growth plate manipulation, deformity corrections and reconstruction in children's developing skeletons.
Future Advancements
As computing power increases, next generation orthopedic surgical navigation systems will integrate artificial intelligence, robotics and augmented reality. Preoperative planning will become more sophisticated using predictive analytics. Touchscreen interfaces and voice commands may replace physical controllers. Wearable technologies may one day replace bulky optical and electromagnetic trackers. Overall, surgical navigation continues its progressive journey towards more precise, personalized and minimally invasive approaches across various areas of orthopedics.
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About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137)