In the early 2000s, orthopedic surgeons at the Notre-Dame clinic began to use computer-assisted surgery (CAD). At the time, this type of surgery required heavy equipment, with a cumbersome console, infrared cameras and sensors implanted relatively invasively on the patient’s femur and tibia. At the end of May, for the first time in Lorraine, they used augmented reality glasses from the French start-up Pixee Medical for the implantation of a total knee replacement.
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A minimally invasive technique
Like a robot implanted in augmented reality glasses, the surgeon, who remains the master of the intervention, can place his knee prosthesis to the millimeter and especially to the degree. This revolutionary system, unlike conventional robotic systems, makes it easier to perform minimally invasive approaches. That is, the operation is performed without cutting the muscles.
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A connected technique
Like a GPS, connected glasses allow the surgeon to be guided in the choice of axes, size and prosthetic footprint in order to perform a total knee arthroplasty as close as possible to ideal positioning. Data analysis is done through holograms, via QR codes positioned on the operated knee. “For example, a recently operated patient presented with a genu valgum (leg in X) of 17 ° on a exceeded osteoarthritis. At the end of the operation, his knee is now normal-centered at 0 ° to the axis of the lower limb, which is completely straight, ”says a surgeon from Notre-Dame.
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A beneficial technique
This technique is faster, less painful for the patient (who recovers more easily) and no longer requires bulky equipment. Its use makes it possible to limit bone attacks and unlike conventional mechanical techniques, it is not necessary to implant in the femur and in the tibia an intramedullary rod to calculate the axes. Everything is done virtually.
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A technique for everyone
There are no contraindications, all patients can benefit from it. But it is mainly used for large deformations. In France, nearly 100,000 total knee prostheses are placed per year. “This is of course the last solution after having used all the therapeutic arsenal to relieve our patients,” concludes the surgeon.
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