Robotics Surgery and Computer Assisted Navigation in Joint Replacement

Joint replacement industry has always witnessed topics which led to division of houses Surprisingly all the parties were able to find some backing in clinically published results and thus no one was really correct or wrong for their stance One such topic in this industry is robotics surgeries Robotics surgery in the field of the orthopaedic has gained a subsequent attention in past few years The question is ldquois robotics worth the hype that it has created in the marketrdquo Many of my fellow practitioners will agree that with introduction of robotics in the field of orthopaedics joint replacement surgeries have become more safe and precise procedureLet us understand what is a robotic surgery firstThe term robot is derived from Polish word lsquorobotarsquo which is used to describe machine that carries out multiple tasks automatically or with a minimum of external impulse especially one that is programmableThere are basically two types of robotic surgeries namely autonomous and haptic tactile system Haptic system allows the surgeon to drive or use the robot to perform operation Constant input of the surgeon is mandatory for efficient functioning of the systemIn autonomous system the surgeon performs the approach sets up the machine and then engages the robot to complete the surgery without the surgeons helpSome advantages of Robotic Surgery includeAbility to perform MISImproved accuracy of implant placementImproved radiological alignment of extremitiesThe haptic system uses preoperative CT scans to generate 3D computer model of the knee which is used in preoperative planning bony surfaces of femur and tibia are marked to get a preoperative model of the kneeThe knee is then taken through a full range of motion the flexionextension gaps assessed component size and implant placement is finalized and a cutting zone is created for the robotThe systemrsquos algorithm is completely based on the preoperative planning and templatingWhile manipulating the burr for resection of bone the surgeon can view the 3D model on the monitor Resection of bone is confined to the predefined cutting space on the forced controlled tip of the rotating burrIn any case if the surgeon goes beyond the cutting zone the safety system automatically stops the burrAutonomous robotic system completes the surgery without the assistance of a surgeon Though the robot operates independently the surgeon is in control of an emergency shutoff switchIf we go 20 years back from now we saw an era of Computer Assisted Navigation which revolutionarised the orthopedic sector Computerassisted navigationCAN is described as the use of computerenabled tracking systems to facilitate alignment in a variety of surgical procedures including fixation of fractures ligament reconstruction osteotomy tumor resection preparation of the bone for joint arthroplasty knee and hip and verification of intended implant placementThe navigation systems have several cameras to track surgical instrumentation boney geometry and alignmentThe cameras communicate with instruments and boney landmarks through lightemitting diodes LEDs The surgeon always has the option to override the information given by the computerIn this procedure the surgeon is not limited to ldquopredefined cutting zonesrdquo as in robotic surgeryIn 2020 surgeons unamiously believe that lsquoeach knee is unique and should be treated in an individualized or personalized mannerrsquo Robotics and computer assisted surgeries have given the surgeons a wide variety of choices on table to suit their patients individual requirements In the end however the most important factor in adoption of Robotics surgery or Computer assisted navigation will be the ease of use for surgeons and OR staffDr Vividh Makwana an eminent orthopaedic surgeon in western Mumbai is a firm believer in providing a customized method of treatment and surgery options for his patientsContact DetailsDr Vividh MakwanaOrthopaedic SurgeonCall 9100300800 9100700500