The use of robots enables surgeons to perform delicate and complex operations in a minimally invasive manner.
Robotic technology has more recently been applied in spinal surgery, where a robot is used primarily for the insertion of pedicle screws in the spine. The basic idea of robotic technology is similar to using a GPS system in the car.
The surgeon plans the surgery ahead of time on a computer. The plan is saved on the robot’s computer, and the robot then helps the surgeon reproduce the exact plan in the operating room using what is usually referred to as “stereotactic guidance.”
The main benefits of the use of a robot in spinal surgery include decreased use of X-rays in surgery and increased accuracy of placement of instrumentation with real-time feedback by the robot.
It is important to understand that the robot is just another tool in the toolbox. During robotic surgery, the surgeon maintains complete control of every aspect of the procedure at all times.
At SaadatSpine, we used robotic surgery for minimally-invasive percutaneous posterior spinal fusions. If you are interested in robotic spine surgery, visit us for a second opinion.