CT-Free Hip Navigation Software

A new module for a surgical navigation system for total hip replacement requires no preoperative imaging, focuses on the data necessary for routine joint replacement, and is designed to reduce postoperative complications.

By intraoperatively acquiring a number of anatomical landmarks and surface points, the software creates a three-dimensional model of the patient's hip that allows for better orientation in the patient's anatomy than conventional two-dimensional x-ray images. The surgeon acquires these points by sliding a special instrument across the bones. The resulting model matches the patient's individual anatomy precisely in those areas that are relevant for accurate joint replacement, such as femur head and cup. The rest of the model is generic and represents the average shape of the human hip as calculated from a quantitative analysis of existing data, while still showing all axes and angles required for a highly accurate implantation.

Called VectorVision, the navigation system is the product of BrainLab (Munich, Germany). "Before finalizing the surgery, we can verity the exact position of the implant and simulate the resulting range of motion of the patient's leg, which allows us to give clear instructions for postoperative physiotherapy,” noted Dr. Michael Swank, medical director of the Joint Replacement Center at the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati (OH, USA).




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