Robotic spine surgery: a review of the present status

The evolution and integration of technology in spinal neurosurgery: A scoping review

Spinal disorders pose a significant global health challenge, affecting nearly 5% of the population and incurring substantial socioeconomic costs. Over time, spinal neurosurgery has evolved from basic 19th-century techniques to today's minimally invasive procedures. The recent integration of technologies such as robotic assistance and advanced imaging has not only improved precision but also reshaped treatment paradigms. This review explores key innovations in imaging, biomaterials, and emerging fields such as AI, examining how they address long-standing challenges in spinal care, including enhancing surgical accuracy and promoting tissue regeneration. Are we at the threshold of a new era in healthcare technology, or are these innovations merely enhancements that may not fundamentally advance clinical care? We aim to answer this question by offering a concise introduction to each technology and discussing in depth its status and challenges, providing readers with a clearer understanding of its actual potential to revolutionize surgical practices.

Challenges in Contemporary Spine Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Surgical, Technological, and Patient-Specific Issues

Spine surgery has significantly progressed due to innovations in surgical techniques, technology, and a deeper understanding of spinal pathology. However, numerous challenges persist, complicating successful outcomes. Anatomical intricacies at transitional junctions demand precise surgical expertise to avoid complications. Technical challenges, such as underestimation of the density of fixed vertebrae, individual vertebral characteristics, and the angle of pedicle inclination, pose additional risks during surgery. Patient anatomical variability and prior surgeries add layers of difficulty, often necessitating thorough pre- and intraoperative planning. Technological challenges involve the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced visualization systems. AI offers predictive capabilities but is limited by the need for large, high-quality datasets and the "black box" nature of machine learning models, which complicates clinical decision making. Visualization technologies like augmented reality and robotic surgery enhance precision but come with operational and cost-related hurdles. Patient-specific challenges include managing postoperative complications such as adjacent segment disease, hardware failure, and neurological deficits. Effective patient outcome measurement is critical, yet existing metrics often fail to capture the full scope of patient experiences. Proper patient selection for procedures is essential to minimize risks and improve outcomes, but criteria can be inconsistent and complex. There is the need for continued technological innovation, improved patient-specific outcome measures, and enhanced surgical education through simulation-based training. Integrating AI in preoperative planning and developing comprehensive databases for spinal pathologies can aid in creating more accurate, generalizable models. A holistic approach that combines technological advancements with personalized patient care and ongoing education is essential for addressing these challenges and improving spine surgery outcomes.

Robot-assisted retractor in spine surgery: Preliminary evaluation of its feasibility and two operation mode in beagles

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of the robot-assisted retractor. To compare the muscle injury of the two operation modes, intermittent retraction mode and continuous retraction mode in the robot-assisted retractor to find a better robot operation mode.

METHODS

A new robot-assisted retractor experimental platform was developed. Three incisions were made on the backs of three beagles. The robot-assisted retractor was used to retract the muscle on both sides of the incisions in intermittent retraction mode and continuous retraction mode, and the operation of the robot system was observed. The muscle samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) to observe the muscle injury. The difference between the muscle injuries of the two groups was statistically compared using paired t test.

RESULTS

The robot-assisted retractor can precisely retract to the specified position without malfunction or dangerous actions. Histologic evaluation showed that fewer muscle injury was found in the intermittent retraction mode group of the robot-assisted retractor compared to the continuous retraction mode group.

CONCLUSION

The robot-assisted retractor offers a certain degree of feasibility and safety. The robot-assisted retractor is able to effectively reduce muscle injury with the intermittent retraction mode.

Robotic-assisted foot and ankle surgery: a review of the present status and the future

The surgical application of robotics has increased significantly since its first application in 1985 for a brain biopsy acquisition. Robotic-assisted surgery has been one of the viable options in various surgical areas, and also in orthopaedic surgery. Robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery has gained popularity as a mean of improving accuracy, reducing complications and achieving better patient satisfaction. Numerous clinical research studies have demonstrated advantages of robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery, however, most of that researches were about the total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty and spine surgery. The application of robotic technology in foot and ankle surgery is in a very nascent stage. Furthermore, there has been little research on intraoperative use of robotics in foot and ankle surgery in literature. A review of previous preclinical studies in foot and ankle robotics and clinical research studies in various fields of robot-assisted orthopaedic surgery shows that its potential application and benefits over conventional techniques, such as total ankle arthroplasty, minimally invasive surgery for foot and ankle trauma or other corrective procedure, and intraoperative biomechanical testing. More studies on practical application of robotic technology to surgical procedure in the field of foot and ankle surgery are needed to confirm its clinical usefulness and cost effectiveness.

Robot-assisted versus navigated transpedicular spine fusion: A comparative study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between a robot-assisted versus a navigated transpedicular fusion technique.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent transpedicular posterior fusion of the spine due to trauma, pyogenic spondylodiscitis and osteoporosis. Surgery was done either with a robot-assisted or a percutaneous navigated transpedicular fusion technique. The outcome analysis included the duration of surgery, the radiation exposure, the postoperative screw position and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were operated and 491 screws were analysed. No statistical difference was seen in the applied cumulative effective radiation dose per patient. The radiological assessment revealed a more accurate screw placement with robot assistance. A learning curve could be observed in robot-assisted fusion.

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted and navigated transpedicular fusion techniques are both effective and safe. Robot-assisted transpedicular spine fusion goes along with higher placement accuracy but its implementation needs an adequate learning curve.

Reliability of YouTube videos on robotic spine surgery for patient education

BACKGROUND

Robotic surgical systems developed to improve spine surgery accuracy. Studies have found significant reductions in screw revisions and radiation exposure with robotic assistance compared with open surgery. YouTube is the largest online video platform for medical education. Therefore, there is a need for the continuous critical assessment of healthcare-related YouTube videos. Our objective is to assess the reliability of YouTube videos on robotic spine surgery for patient education.

METHODS

In April of 2022, YouTube was queried for the following keywords: "Robotic Spine Surgery". The "Relevance-Based Ranking" filter was applied, and the first 3 result pages were considered. Videos had to be uploaded by universities or hospitals and be in the English. Three independent healthcare personnel evaluated the videos' education quality using the DISCERN tool.

RESULTS

Our study found that 33 % of videos analyzed scored above a 3 on the DISCERN scoring scale (considered a ''good" video), with overall mean DISCERN score of 2.8 ± 1.3 (SD). The duration of videos was significantly different between the two groups (Good = 16 min ± 21 vs Unhelpful = 4 min ± 4, p = 0.01). In the helpful group, other characteristics were number of views (16331 ± 31308), likes (88 ± 168) and dislikes (5 ± 8). No statistically significant differences were observed compared to the unhelpful group: number of views (6515 ± 9074; P = 0.20), likes (39 ± 55; P = 0.21) and dislikes (3 ± 4; P = 0.33).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that YouTube videos on robotic spine surgery lack accuracy and have poor educational value. There should be increased institutional oversight to combat the spread of misinformation.

Advanced surgical tool: Progress in clinical application of intelligent surgical robot

Surgical robot is a revolutionary tool conceived in the progress of clinical medicine, computer science, microelectronics and biomechanics. It provides the surgeon with clearer views and more comfortable surgical postures. With the assistance of computer navigation during delicate operations, it can further shorten the patient recovery time via reducing intraoperative bleeding, the risk of infection and the amount of anesthesia needed. As a comprehensive surgical revolution, surgical robot technique has a wide range of applications in related fields. This paper reviews the development status and operation principles of these surgical robots. At the same time, we also describe their up-to-date applications in different specialties and discusses the prospects and challenges of surgical robots in the medical area.

A Comparison of Spinal Robotic Systems and Pedicle Screw Accuracy Rates: Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis

Introduction  The motivation to improve accuracy and reduce complication rates in spinal surgery has driven great advancements in robotic surgical systems, with the primary difference between the newer generation and older generation models being the presence of an optical camera and multijointed arm. This study compares accuracy and complication rates of pedicle screw placement in older versus newer generation robotic systems reported in the literature. Methods  We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis describing outcomes of pedicle screw placement with robotic spine surgery. We assessed the robustness of these findings by quantifying levels of cross-study heterogeneity and publication bias. Finally, we performed meta-regression to test for associations between pedicle screw accuracy and older versus newer generation robotic spine system usage. Results  Average pedicle screw placement accuracy rates for old and new generation robotic platforms were 97 and 99%, respectively. Use of new generation robots was significantly associated with improved pedicle screw placement accuracy ( p  = 0.03). Conclusion  Accuracy of pedicle screw placement was high across all generations of robotic surgical systems. However, newer generation robots were shown to be significantly associated with accurate pedicle screw placement, showing the benefits of upgrading robotic systems with a real-time optical camera and multijointed arm.

Robot-assisted and augmented reality-assisted spinal instrumentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of screw accuracy and outcomes over the last decade

OBJECTIVE

The use of technology-enhanced methods in spine surgery has increased immensely over the past decade. Here, the authors present the largest systematic review and meta-analysis to date that specifically addresses patient-centered outcomes, including the risk of inaccurate screw placement and perioperative outcomes in spinal surgeries using robotic instrumentation and/or augmented reality surgical navigation (ARSN).

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases spanning the last decade (January 2011-November 2021) was performed to present all clinical studies comparing robot-assisted instrumentation and ARSN with conventional instrumentation techniques in lumbar spine surgery. The authors compared these two technologies as they relate to screw accuracy, estimated blood loss (EBL), intraoperative time, length of stay (LOS), perioperative complications, radiation dose and time, and the rate of reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 64 studies were analyzed that included 11,113 patients receiving 20,547 screws. Robot-assisted instrumentation was associated with less risk of inaccurate screw placement (p < 0.0001) regardless of control arm approach (freehand, fluoroscopy guided, or navigation guided), fewer reoperations (p < 0.0001), fewer perioperative complications (p < 0.0001), lower EBL (p = 0.0005), decreased LOS (p < 0.0001), and increased intraoperative time (p = 0.0003). ARSN was associated with decreased radiation exposure compared with robotic instrumentation (p = 0.0091) and fluoroscopy-guided (p < 0.0001) techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, the pooled data suggest that technology-enhanced thoracolumbar instrumentation is advantageous for both patients and surgeons. As the technology progresses and indications expand, it remains essential to continue investigations of both robotic instrumentation and ARSN to validate meaningful benefit over conventional instrumentation techniques in spine surgery.

Comparative Analysis of Optoelectronic Accuracy in the Laboratory Setting Versus Clinical Operative Environment: A Systematic Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

The optoelectronic camera source and data interpolation process serve as the foundation for navigational integrity in robotic-assisted surgical platforms. The current systematic review serves to provide a basis for the numerical disparity observed when comparing the intrinsic accuracy of optoelectronic cameras versus accuracy in the laboratory setting and clinical operative environments.

METHODS

Review of the PubMed and Cochrane Library research databases was performed. The exhaustive literature compilation obtained was then vetted to reduce redundancies and categorized into topics of intrinsic accuracy, registration accuracy, musculoskeletal kinematic platforms, and clinical operative platforms.

RESULTS

A total of 465 references were vetted and 137 comprise the basis for the current analysis. Regardless of application, the common denominators affecting overall optoelectronic accuracy are intrinsic accuracy, registration accuracy, and application accuracy. Intrinsic accuracy equaled or was less than 0.1 mm translation and 0.1 degrees rotation per fiducial. Controlled laboratory platforms reported 0.1 to 0.5 mm translation and 0.1 to 1.0 degrees rotation per array. Accuracy in robotic-assisted spinal surgery reported 1.5 to 6.0 mm translation and 1.5 to 5.0 degrees rotation when comparing planned to final implant position.

CONCLUSIONS

Navigational integrity and maintenance of fidelity of optoelectronic data is the cornerstone of robotic-assisted spinal surgery. Transitioning from controlled laboratory to clinical operative environments requires an increased number of steps in the optoelectronic kinematic chain and error potential. Diligence in planning, fiducial positioning, system registration and intra-operative workflow have the potential to improve accuracy and decrease disparity between planned and final implant position.

Emerging Technologies in the Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity

Outcomes for adult spinal deformity continue to improve as new technologies become integrated into clinical practice. Machine learning, robot-guided spinal surgery, and patient-specific rods are tools that are being used to improve preoperative planning and patient satisfaction. Machine learning can be used to predict complications, readmissions, and generate postoperative radiographs which can be shown to patients to guide discussions about surgery. Robot-guided spinal surgery is a rapidly growing field showing signs of greater accuracy in screw placement during surgery. Patient-specific rods offer improved outcomes through higher correction rates and decreased rates of rod breakage while decreasing operative time. The objective of this review is to evaluate trends in the literature about machine learning, robot-guided spinal surgery, and patient-specific rods in the treatment of adult spinal deformity.

Accuracy of Robotic-Assisted Spinal Surgery-Comparison to TJR Robotics, da Vinci Robotics, and Optoelectronic Laboratory Robotics

BACKGROUND

The optoelectronic camera source and data interpolation serve as the foundation for navigational integrity in the robotic-assisted surgical platform. The objective of the current systematic review serves to provide a basis for the numerical disparity that exists when comparing the intrinsic accuracy of optoelectronic cameras: accuracy observed in the laboratory setting versus accuracy in the clinical operative environment. It is postulated that there exists a greater number of connections in the optoelectronic kinematic chain when analyzing the clinical operative environment to the laboratory setting. This increase in data interpolation, coupled with intraoperative workflow challenges, reduces the degree of accuracy based on surgical application and to that observed in controlled musculoskeletal kinematic laboratory investigations.

METHODS

Review of the PubMed and Cochrane Library research databases was performed. The exhaustive literature compilation obtained was then vetted to reduce redundancies and categorized into topics of intrinsic optoelectronic accuracy, registration accuracy, musculoskeletal kinematic platforms, and clinical operative platforms.

RESULTS

A total of 147 references make up the basis for the current analysis. Regardless of application, the common denominators affecting overall optoelectronic accuracy are intrinsic accuracy, registration accuracy, and application accuracy. Intrinsic accuracy of optoelectronic tracking equaled or was less than 0.1 mm of translation and 0.1° of rotation per fiducial. Controlled laboratory platforms reported 0.1 to 0.5 mm of translation and 0.1°-1.0° of rotation per array. There is a huge falloff in clinical applications: accuracy in robotic-assisted spinal surgery reported 1.5 to 6.0 mm of translation and 1.5° to 5.0° of rotation when comparing planned to final implant position. Total Joint Robotics and da Vinci urologic robotics computed accuracy, as predicted, lies between these two extremes-1.02 mm for da Vinci and 2 mm for MAKO.

CONCLUSIONS

Navigational integrity and maintenance of fidelity of optoelectronic data is the cornerstone of robotic-assisted spinal surgery. Transitioning from controlled laboratory to clinical operative environments requires an increased number of steps in the optoelectronic kinematic chain and error potential. Diligence in planning, fiducial positioning, system registration, and intraoperative workflow have the potential to improve accuracy and decrease disparity between planned and final implant position. The key determining factors limiting navigation resolution accuracy are highlighted by this Cochrane research analysis.