For years, orthopaedic surgeons have used guides and jigs to aid them in placing knee and hip implants in the appropriate position during a joint replacement operation. Failure of a total joint replacement can result from improperly positioned knee and hip implants during surgery. The development of computer navigation may help us place these implants more accurately.
Navigation utilizes a PC based program that helps the surgeon make accurate decisions regarding alignment and orientation of joint replacement implants. Dr.s Kolisek and Monesmith helped design an articular surface mounted "pinless" navigation system for knee replacement surgery in 2006. This system references the articular surface of the joint being replaced. It allows us to fine tune the position of the implant.
Both Dr.'s Monesmith and Kolisek continue to use the navigation system in order to determine its effectiveness and clinical utility. In the future, as this technology evolves, navigation may enable surgeons to operate more efficiently and with greater accuracy on all patients.
Ceramic bearing surfaces are used in young and very active patients.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive techniques are used in select patients. Minimally invasive surgery simply means less soft tissue and muscle disruption at the time of surgery. The hope is that this will decrease your pain after surgery and, therefore, allow you to return to normal activities sooner. Your skin incision will be as short as possible, but as long as necessary for me to do a good job replacing your joint. What we do beneath your skin is more important than simply the length of your skin incision. We do not cut the muscles as much as we used to. Our common goal is to have the best long term result possible.
