New medical technology can bring both hope and hesitation. When you hear about computer-assisted surgery for a knee replacement, it’s understandable to have questions or even some worries. Many people picture a robot operating on its own, but the reality is that this technology works to support your care, not take it over.
Dr. Kyle Stoops is an expert provider of advanced orthopedic care who understands these concerns, and he is dedicated to making sure his patients feel confident and at ease with their treatment plan. If you have questions about your options, we invite you to schedule an appointment to get the clarity you need.
Let’s gently pull back the curtain on computer-assisted surgery and separate the myths from the facts.
Myth 1: The Computer or a Robot Performs the Surgery
This is by far the most common and significant myth, so let’s address it first. The idea of a machine being in control is a powerful image, but it's not accurate. In computer-assisted surgery, your surgeon is in complete control from start to finish. The computer does not make incisions, move instruments, or perform any part of the physical operation.
Think of the technology as an advanced navigation tool, much like a GPS in a car. A GPS provides detailed information to help a driver make better decisions, but the driver is still the one steering the wheel and pressing the pedals. The 360CAS™ system from Enovis™ works in a similar way. It provides Dr. Stoops with live, detailed data about your knee's unique anatomy and alignment. He uses this information to guide his actions with greater precision, but it is his hands, experience, and judgment that perform the surgery. You are always in the care of your surgeon, not a machine.
Myth 2: Computer-Assisted Surgery Is Experimental
While the technology is advanced, it is not new or experimental. Computer navigation has been used in orthopedics for many years and has a well-established track record of safety and success. Systems like 360CAS are the result of decades of research and refinement, designed to improve upon proven surgical principles.
This technology has been used in thousands of procedures around the world. It is a trusted tool that helps skilled surgeons achieve even better results for their patients. It represents an evolution in surgical technique, building on a strong foundation of traditional methods to add an extra layer of precision and personalization to your care.
Myth 3: It Requires Extra Scans and More Appointments
Some surgical technologies, like custom implants or certain robotic systems, do require you to have a CT scan or MRI before your surgery. This adds another step to your pre-operative process. However, this is not the case with the 360CAS system that Dr. Stoops uses.
One of the benefits of this specific technology is that it gathers all the information it needs during the surgery itself. It creates a dynamic, real-time map of your joint without any need for prior imaging. This makes the process more streamlined for you. You get the advantages of a highly personalized, data-driven procedure without the hassle of extra appointments or radiation exposure from a CT scan.
Myth 4: The Surgery Takes Much Longer
It's a reasonable assumption that adding technology to the operating room would significantly increase the length of the procedure. In reality, the process is very efficient. While there may be a few extra minutes for setting up the system, the real-time guidance can also make other parts of the surgery quicker and more straightforward.
Experienced surgeons like Dr. Stoops are skilled at integrating this technology smoothly into their workflow. The focus is always on a safe, effective, and efficient procedure. Any minor difference in time is far outweighed by the benefit of achieving a more precisely placed implant, which is a key factor for long-term success and a natural-feeling knee.
Myth 5: It’s Only for a Specific Type of Patient
Some people believe that advanced technology is reserved only for younger, healthier patients or for unusually complex cases. Computer-assisted surgery, however, can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals undergoing knee replacement.
The ability to get precise, patient-specific information is helpful in nearly every case. It helps the surgeon account for small variations in anatomy that everyone has. Whether your surgery is considered straightforward or more complex, the goal is always the same: to give you a stable, well-aligned knee that will serve you well for years to come. Dr. Stoops will evaluate your individual needs and recommend the approach that he believes will provide you with the best possible outcome.
Find Clarity and Confidence in Your Treatment
New technology should bring you peace of mind, not more worry. Understanding the truth behind computer-assisted surgery can help you feel more comfortable and empowered as you make decisions about your health. It is a tool designed to enhance your surgeon's skill, giving you the benefit of human expertise guided by technological precision.
Dr. Kyle Stoops and his team are here to answer all your questions and help you understand how advanced tools like the 360CAS system can lead to a better surgical outcome. If you are considering joint replacement, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a robot or computer performing my surgery?
No, your surgeon is always in control. The computer provides real-time data and guidance, but the surgeon makes every decision and performs all aspects of the procedure.
Will I need extra scans or imaging before surgery?
In most cases, you do not need additional CT scans or MRIs. The 360CAS system collects detailed information during surgery, making the process more convenient for you.
Does computer-assisted surgery add a lot of time to my operation?
There may be a few extra minutes to set up the system, but this is generally balanced by the efficiency it brings. Many patients feel the added precision is well worth any minor increase in time.
Is this approach only for complicated cases?
Computer-assisted surgery can benefit a wide range of patients. It’s helpful for both straightforward and complex cases because it provides precise, patient-specific data for every individual.
How can computer-assisted surgery improve outcomes?
By giving your surgeon detailed, live information about your joint, the technology helps achieve the best possible alignment and balance. This supports a more stable, natural-feeling joint and may help your implant last longer.
