Robotic systems are contributing prospective benefits for both patients as well as for surgeons, and rapidly altering the landscape of modern surgery. The inception of new navigation systems and robotic platforms represents a new era for spine surgery. Spine surgery has seen noteworthy technical developments, ever since the era of freehand screw placement without image guidance, and have resulted in significantly improved safety and quality of care. Combined with greater navigation technologies, robotic systems have incredible potential to increase the skills of spine surgeons by improving patient safety, but limiting costs and complications.

Though, the threats of complications owing to instrument malposition, and risky exposure to radiation remain substantial concerns. Robotic systems have the diverse benefit of refining surgical skill and supplementing human capability. Indubitably, the amount of robot-assisted spinal surgeries will continue to rise, with more requests being added to the stock of this technology.

Significantly, robotic systems can be combined flawlessly into MIS procedures. Robotic systems recommend real-time image direction, this technology can be used to evaluate extent of bone and disc resection, as well as recognize various structures Robotic spine surgery offers the possibility to recover outcomes by systematically reproducing procedures and refining workflow. Robot-assisted spine surgery can have a affirmative influence on long-term health care economics, through its growing applications and potential for reduced fluoroscopy time, lesser hospital length of stay, decreased complication rates and shorter operating time.

Source: Global Spine Journal:10(2):34S-40S