After years of anticipation in both the Orthopaedic and patient communities, Longview Regional Medical Center has purchased a Stryker Navigation System. This new technology allows patients to receive total joint replacement procedures with the potential to have a higher degree of accuracy supporting the overall function of the prosthesis.
Computer navigation systems allow surgeons to align implants with greater precision, an important factor in reducing joint wear and extending the life of implants. With the guidance from this technology, surgeons are now able to facilitate improved accuracy in implant alignment to their patient's individual anatomies, which in turn may lead to improved accuracy and a longer lasting implant.
Studies show that patients undergoing joint replacement surgery utilizing this navigation technology may benefit from possible shorter hospital stays, fewer post-operative complications, improved joint stability and better range of motion. The Stryker Navigational Joint Replacement System provides patients with more of an opportunity for a quick return to normal, everyday activity.
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Hip
Hip pain and problems range from sciatica to osteoarthritis and hip fractures. |
Knee
The knee is a complex joint of bones held together with tendons, ligaments, and muscles—any of which can be damaged through everyday activities or high-impact sports. |
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Did You Know?
Having a joint replacement doesn't mean you can't be active. In fact, you should be active, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Check with your health care provider before choosing an activity, because some forms of exercise may be better for your replacement joint than others. |
Navigated total hip and knee replacement is an extremely successful way to treat qualifying patients with pain. The new surgical navigation technology Longview Regional has in place greatly enhances the ability to restore range of motion, overall function and return patients to normal activity. The Stryker Navigation system uses an infrared camera and instruments along with unique tracking software to continually monitor the position, angles and alignment of the implant in relation to the patient’s anatomy. Smart Active wireless instruments send data pertaining to the kinematics (movement) to the computer.
The computer analyzes and displays data on a computer monitor in the form of graphs that supply the surgeon with the angles, lines, and measurements needed to accurately align the prosthetic hip or knee with the patient. Many surgeons say it’s like having a GPS System in the operating room. The navigational system gives the opportunity to give a patient a new hip or knee that has increased strength, stability, and range of motion, even in difficult anatomic situations.
One benefit of the Stryker Navigation system is that it eliminates the need for pre-operative X-rays or CT scans. Experience shows that the system may lead to possible shorter hospital stays, fewer post-operative complications, and improved joint stability. The Stryker Navigation system also has applications in trauma, spine, neurosurgery, and ENT, which Longview Regional hopes to add in the near future.
Fact Sheets for Hip and Knee: