Computer Assisted Shoulder Replacement

What is Computer Assisted Shoulder Replacement?

Computer assisted(opens in a new tab) (navigation / augmented reality / holographic) shoulder replacement is an image-guided procedure in which the shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial joint with the guidance of advanced computer technology. The computer assistance provides information and guides the surgeon to precisely align and position the implants very accurately to achieve improved results.

The computer navigation system involves the following components:

• A navigation camera that visualizes the shoulder joint and creates images 
• Smart instruments that can be tracked by a camera 
• Computer with specialized surgical navigation software to integrate the images with surgical information

Indications for Computer Assisted Shoulder Replacement

Surgical indications for a computer-navigated shoulder replacement include:

• Severe bone loss around the shoulder
• Treatment of arthritic conditions ( osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) of the shoulder joint
• Dislocation of the shoulder joint (some specific conditions)
• Severe shoulder joint fracture or trauma 
• Failed total shoulder replacement surgery

The Procedure

Computer navigation provides the surgeon with real-time 3-D images of the patient’s own shoulder joint and the surgical instruments during surgery. The data for the images is provided by infrared sensors fixed to the bones of the shoulder and surgical instruments. Their position is tracked by an infrared camera positioned above the surgical table, connected to the computer. The computer then generates real-time images with the help of the appropriate software to guide the surgeon to precisely resurface and cut the bones of the shoulder. The implant is very accurately inserted according to the preoperative surgical plan, based on the patient’s own anatomy. 

The surgery is entirely performed by the surgeon. Computer navigation is just a guidance tool for the surgeon which aids accuracy. It does not replace the skills of an experienced surgeon.

Advantages of Computer-Navigated Shoulder Replacement

Some of the advantages of computer-navigated shoulder replacement are:

• Shorter hospital stay
• Less scarring
• Reduced blood loss
• Smaller incisions
• Longevity of implant
• Precise positioning of implants
• Improved alignment
• Minimal tissue loss
• Minimal chance of implant displacement