Deciding to haveknee replacement surgery is a significant step, and it's natural to want the best possible outcome. You might be researching different approaches and hearing about new technologies, wondering what they mean for you. One of the most impactful advancements in modern orthopedics is computer-assisted surgery, a tool that helps your surgeon perform your knee replacement with a remarkable level of precision.
Dr. Kyle Stoops is an expert provider of advanced orthopedic care, using computer-assisted surgery to help patients achieve better results from their knee replacement procedures. He knows that considering surgery can bring up many questions, and he is committed to helping you understand how this technology can lead to a more successful recovery. If you are ready to learn more, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your specific needs.
This technology isn't about replacing a surgeon's skill; it's about enhancing it to give you the best, most personalized outcome.
Benefit 1: Unmatched Surgical Precision
One of the most important factors in a successful knee replacement is the precise placement and alignment of the new implant. Even a tiny degree of misalignment can affect how your new knee feels, functions, and how long it lasts. This is where computer-assisted surgery provides its greatest benefit.
Using a system like 360CAS™ from Enovis™, Dr. Stoops gets a real-time, digital view of your knee's unique anatomy during the procedure. It acts like a highly advanced navigation system, providing live data on bone movement and joint alignment. This allows him to make tiny, exact adjustments that are customized to your body. The result is an implant placed with a level of accuracy that is difficult to achieve with the naked eye alone. This precision helps create a stable, well-balanced knee that is ready to support you for years to come.
Benefit 2: A More Personalized Procedure
No two knees are exactly alike. Your anatomy, the way your ligaments move, and the specific pattern of arthritis are unique to you. Traditional surgery relies on standard instruments and the surgeon's experience to find the best fit. Computer-assisted surgery takes personalization to the next level.
The 360CAS system provides intraoperative data, or information gathered during your surgery. As Dr. Stoops gently moves your knee, the system collects data on how your ligaments and soft tissues respond. This allows him to see exactly how your knee functions and to adjust the implant's position for optimal stability and a more natural feel. Rather than fitting your knee to a standard implant position, the technology helps the surgeon fit the implant perfectly to your knee. This patient-specific insight means your surgery is truly tailored to you.
Benefit 3: Potential for a Longer-Lasting Implant
When a knee implant is precisely aligned, the pressure and weight from daily activities are distributed evenly across its surfaces. This balance reduces abnormal wear and tear on the implant components over time. Just like having properly aligned tires on your car helps them last longer, having a well-aligned knee replacement can contribute to its longevity.
While many factors influence how long an implant lasts, proper alignment is a critical piece of the puzzle. By using computer assistance to achieve a more accurate placement, Dr. Stoops can help set you up for a durable result. This may lower the chances of needing a revision surgery down the road, giving you more confidence in your long-term mobility and comfort.
Benefit 4: Improved Function and a More Natural Feel
Patients who have computer-assisted knee replacement often report that their new joint feels more stable and natural. Because the technology helps balance the ligaments and soft tissues around the knee, the joint can move more smoothly through its range of motion.
This improved function can make a noticeable difference in your daily life. Activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair can feel more fluid and less mechanical. The goal is to give you a knee that doesn't just relieve pain but allows you to forget it's even there as you go about your day. The added precision from computer assistance helps achieve that goal by recreating the natural kinematics of your knee.
Benefit 5: Real-Time Information Without Extra Scans
Some advanced surgical technologies require you to have extra imaging tests, like a CT scan, before your surgery. These tests add another appointment, extra time, and potential cost to your pre-operative planning.
The 360CAS system is different. It gathers all the information it needs in real time, during the procedure itself. This means you don't need to undergo any pre-operative CT scans for the system to work. It’s a more streamlined and efficient process that still provides all the detailed, patient-specific data your surgeon needs to customize your procedure. Dr. Stoops remains in complete control, using the live feedback as a powerful tool to confirm and refine their surgical plan.
Explore Your Options for a Better Outcome
The decision to undergo knee replacement is personal, and it’s important to feel confident in the approach you choose. Computer-assisted surgery offers clear benefits, from enhanced precision and personalization to the potential for a longer-lasting, more natural-feeling joint. It is a powerful tool that complements Dr. Stoops' expertise, working to give you the best possible result.
Dr. Kyle Stoops is dedicated to using advanced technology like the 360CAS system to provide the highest standard of care for his patients. If you're struggling with knee pain, we invite you to schedule an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 360CAS system work during surgery?
The 360CAS system uses trackers and an infrared camera to create a digital model of your knee during the operation. This gives Dr. Stoops real-time data about your anatomy and joint alignment, helping him guide the placement of your implant with remarkable accuracy. Your surgeon is always in control; the system simply provides extra insight and confirmation.
Is computer-assisted surgery done by a robot or computer?
No. Your surgeon performs the entire operation. The computer does not make incisions or control any instruments. Instead, the technology acts as a supportive tool, offering detailed information to help your surgeon achieve the best possible results for you.
Is this approach right for everyone?
Many patients can benefit from computer-assisted surgery, including those seeking a higher degree of precision, people with unique anatomy or past surgeries, or anyone who values a truly personalized approach. However, the decision depends on your specific needs, and Dr. Stoops will help you decide if this technology is the best fit for your situation.
