> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.navnx.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating a Case

> How to create a new surgical planning case in NavNX.

## Creating a Case

A case represents a single surgical procedure for a patient. Each case contains the DICOM imaging, surgical plan, implant selection, and notes for that procedure.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the new case form">
    Click **New Case** from the dashboard or navigate to **Cases** in the sidebar and click the **+ New Case** button.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a patient">
    Search for an existing patient by name or MRN. If the patient does not exist yet, click **Create Patient** to add them inline.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the procedure type">
    Select the procedure type from the dropdown (e.g., ACL Reconstruction, Rotator Cuff Repair, MPFL Reconstruction). This determines the default planning tools and implant filters.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the side">
    Choose **Left** or **Right** to indicate the operative side. This is displayed throughout the case and on pre-op reports.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the planned date">
    Enter the planned surgery date. This is optional but recommended — it drives the upcoming surgeries list on the dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Create Case**. The case is created in **Draft** status and you are taken to the case detail page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  A patient can have multiple cases. For example, a bilateral ACL reconstruction would be two separate cases — one for each side.
</Note>

## What Happens Next

From the case detail page you can:

* Upload DICOM images
* Open the planner to begin surgical planning
* Add notes
* Select implants

See [Case Detail](/cases/case-detail) for a full walkthrough.

<Warning>
  Once a case is created, the patient and procedure type cannot be changed. If you selected the wrong patient or procedure, cancel the case and create a new one.
</Warning>