Many studies have demonstrated higher precision and better radiological results in Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty) with computer-assisted surgery (CAS). On the other hand, studies revealed a lengthening of operation time up to 20 min for this technique and demonstrated rare additional complications as fractures and neurovascular injuries caused by the array pins and any intraoperative array dislocation leads to abortion of CAS.
To combine the advantages and eliminate the disadvantages of standard CAS, a new and more simplified procedure has evolved referred to as pinless navigated knee replacement abandoning the reference pins and reducing the necessary workflow to a minimum.
Dr. (Prof.) Arora is leading the way in knee replacement surgery using pinless navigation technology. He owns and uses North India's first Pinless Computer Navigation system to give you assured results.
There are several reasons why pinless knee replacement is better than traditional computer guided surgery:
Traditional computer assisted knee replacement necessitates the use of pins to attach the thigh and leg bone to ensure alignment. As a result, the procedure is time consuming and the possibility for complications is higher. The pinless method on the other hand uses an infrared tracker that communicates with the camera. This lets the surgeon know where he/she is with respect to the patient’s knee. The infrared camera acts as a GPS system and relays real time information back to the surgeon in the form of charts and graphs displayed on a computer screen. The displayed data gives the surgeon angles, lines, and measurements to accurately align the prosthetic knee.
At the completion of total knee replacement surgery, balancing the ligaments surrounding the knee has always been the most difficult and "subjective" part of knee replacement surgery. In conventional surgery the knee ligaments are balanced chiefly by the surgeons "feel" to determine if the ligaments are appropriately taut. Though experienced surgeons can achieve excellent ligament balance in most cases, reproducibility is difficult and results are subjective. With computer navigation, ligament balancing can potentially be quantified to the nearest millimeter of ligament laxity or tautness.
Pinless navigation procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that takes close to 45 minutes, making it faster than a traditional computer guided knee replacement surgery. Also, the advanced technique is more accurate, mimicking the natural alignment of the joint. All these factors help facilitates faster recovery post-surgery.
Pulmonary Embolism is common complication that may occur following a tradition knee replacement. Pulmonary Embolism is caused by a blockage (blood clot) in one of the major arteries of the lung. This condition can be life threating and measure must be taken to prevent blood clots post-surgery. Pinless knee replacement surgery reduces the risk of a blood clot as the technique requires a less amount of time and a small incision.
The kind of surgery you need to undergo is usually decided by your surgeon with your preferences. However, the pinless surgery is thought to be the most effective form as it promises a perfect alignment and can be performed on extremely deformed joints too.