Computer assisted orthopedic surgery (CBOS) is a surgical technology that assists surgeons through creation and display of images showing the replacement components in their relationships to the bones and ligaments of the joint being replaced. CBOS is also called Imaged Guided Surgery or Surgical Navigation. CBOS has two basic components:
CBOS can use actual images of the joint (X-Rays/fluoroscopic, ultrasound or CT images) or can create virtual images of the damaged joint. The camera and computer are given information by the surgeon about the normal and abnormal anatomic landmarks of the joint and limb. This information can be transmitted in several ways. Some CBOS systems use special cameras to identify and record the position of photo reflective spheres or infra-red light emitting devices. Some other systems use ultrasonic devises to identify bony landmarks. The surgeon uses the computer generated information and images to accurately and reproducibly reconstruct the damaged joint and limb.
Benefits