Currently in Australia over 20% of knee replacement surgeries are undertaken with the assistance of computer guidance. Computer assisted knee replacement surgery utilises a computer with an attached sensor. This sensor can detect trackers that are attached to both the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The surgeon then utilises these trackers and builds a virtual model of the knee within the computer. From this, alignment is planned and utilises the computer as a “mini GPS system”. The surgeon is able to accurately place cutting blocks and perform accurate surgical cuts. Literature has shown that this system is more accurate than conventional jig based systems. There are 10 year results in the Australian Joint Registry suggesting that knee replacements performed utilising this method have a lower revision rate in the longer term. Our surgeons are able to offer this technique and are happy to discuss this with you.
