Computer-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty

Despite the overall satisfactory results of total hip arthroplasty, post-operative complications continue to occur. To minimize these problems, computer-assisted total hip arthroplasty using navigation or robot-assisted systems is being developed. A navigation system is defined as a system that locates a position in three-dimensional space and traces the target spot, and a robot-assisted system is defined as a system that performs operations automatically with mechanical robot arms based on prior preoperative planning. Computer-assisted surgeries have shown superior results to conventional methods in implant positioning, fixation, and accurate lower extremity alignment in the limited reports available. However, computer-assisted surgeries take longer compared to conventional methods. Due to the extra time needed, the risk of postoperative infection and blood loss is considered to be higher. Nevertheless, robot-assisted system is being developed for the field of hip arthroplasty, and thus its efficacy and accuracy needs to be further investigated. Since these methods have other advantages compared to conventional methods, they are the focus of much interest.