I know people are upset about how many things we buy are made in China. But it does seem like they are ahead of us in some areas of technology. I just heard a report that the Chinese are doing knee replacements with computer programs because they can get better implant alignment. Is anything like this being done in the United States?

There are several different companies around the world that offer navigational-assistant surgical systems. U.S.-based companies are among them making it possible for surgeons and patients to benefit from this approach since the early 21st century (2000-2001).

For example, orthopedic surgeons are training on the new computer-assisted navigational system with hopes of improving alignment of implants for joint replacements. Combining the computer-assisted navigation with minimally invasive surgical techniques (MIS) may forever change the way joint replacements are being done. Some experts suggest that most orthopedic procedures will be computer assisted in the next five-to-10 year period of time.

These new methods are no longer experimental but they are considered investigational (data is still being collected and analyzed to see results). It is hoped that with improved visual access to the joint, more precise implantation will be possible, and thus patient outcomes will continue to improve.