Orthopaedic surgery is urr c ently just a few moments past the sunrise of computer implementation for the per formance of surgery itself. OUT pe s cialty has always seemed to have a nearly unique. over arching characteristic -it deals almost exclusively with alteration, typically rebuilding or reconstituting. structure. What we do has more of a structural impact than a physiologic one, even when compared to the structural alterations introduced by vascular and cardiac surgery_ This structural reconstitution contrasts strongly with the largely excisional haracteri c stic of most other ur sgical fields. The relevance of Ihis feature is thai OUf specialty, as much as any, and more than most, needs precision of cuning, alignment, and replacemenl.As we contrast the rudimentary tools, we use in our operating rooms with the sophis ticated robotic, computerized, and more extensively mechanized equipment of industry, we seem very far behind. We are almost ancient considering the pace of development and change over the last fifty years. Many question the need, practicality, expense and therefore ultimate acceptance of these methods into ortho paedics. However, the quality I mention above, leads me to believe that eventually, hi-tech involving computer assis tance and including robotic tools, will almost take over. The current era is and will be appreciated as a beginning a time when new equipment and techniques are introduced, bugs worked out, and valuable tools refined. nearly perfected, with costs lowered.
This book reviews the recent international experience with the applications of computer assisted orthopaedic surgery in clinical practice. Recent decades of the human condition have witnessed the dramatic evolution of technology and the application to everyday existence. The ability to use such innovation in surgical practice is now easily within our grasp. Though clinical experience is short term, as will be demonstrated the problems are finite and limited only by the need for refinement. We can now clearly state that current surgical practice will be revolutionized by these new methodologies. This edition is all encompassing for musculoskeletal surgery including the spine, trauma, sports, and reconstructive surgery. Because of its simplicity, computer navigation will be an early tool in such areas as total joint replacement, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and placement of pedicle screws in complex spinal surgery. New techniques in Minimally Invasive Surgery will require the precision and digital "surgical exposure" offered by the computer. However, we anticipate in a few years, that robotics with computer activated technology will rise to an important role for the practicing surgeon. Surgeons who are comfortable with technology and yearn for better solutions with their techniques will benefit from the knowledge of this experience. Americans at the AAOS 2003 annual meeting in New Orleans, have now joined the wave of enthusiasm for computer assisted orthopaedic surgery (CAOS) as well as the exciting new vistas of Minimally Invasive Surgery.
