Our Summary

This study looked at how effective robotic systems and image-guided navigation are in helping surgeons accurately place screws during spinal fusion surgery. They looked at a number of studies, focussing on how often the final placement of the screws deviated from the original plan. In total, they looked at the placement of over 7,000 screws in almost 1,500 patients. They found that, while there were small deviations from the pre-surgery plan, it did not significantly affect the accuracy of the procedure. Over 98% of the screws were rated as being accurately placed. This suggests that using robotic systems and image-guided navigation can be very effective in improving the accuracy of spinal fusion surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the study about robotic systems and image-guided navigation in spinal fusion surgery?
  2. How did the final placement of screws in the spinal fusion surgery deviate from the original plan?
  3. How effective are robotic systems and image-guided navigation in improving the accuracy of spinal fusion surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal fusion is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities, attending physical therapy sessions as recommended, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is important to follow these instructions to help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for spinal fusion surgery include those with spinal instability, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities, fractures, tumors, or infections. These patients may be experiencing symptoms such as severe back pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, difficulty walking, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections may also be candidates for spinal fusion surgery.

Timeline

Before Spinal Fusion:

  1. Initial consultation with a spine specialist to discuss the need for spinal fusion surgery and determine the best course of action.
  2. Pre-operative testing and evaluations to assess the patient’s overall health and readiness for surgery.
  3. Preparing for surgery by following any pre-operative instructions given by the surgeon, such as fasting before the procedure.
  4. Surgical procedure, which involves the fusion of two or more vertebrae using bone grafts, rods, screws, or plates to stabilize the spine.
  5. Post-operative recovery period, which may involve pain management, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.

After Spinal Fusion:

  1. Immediate post-operative recovery in the hospital, where the patient will be monitored for any complications and given pain medication as needed.
  2. Transition to at-home recovery, where the patient will continue to follow post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  3. Physical therapy and rehabilitation to help the patient regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the spine.
  4. Long-term follow-up care to monitor the fusion process, assess the patient’s progress, and address any ongoing issues or concerns.
  5. Return to normal activities and daily life, with the goal of improving overall quality of life and reducing pain and discomfort in the spine.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain the specific reasons why spinal fusion surgery is recommended for my condition?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal fusion surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery process after spinal fusion surgery and what can I expect during the recovery period?

  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery? If so, what will that entail?

  5. Will I need to make any lifestyle or activity modifications after the surgery?

  6. How long will the effects of the spinal fusion surgery last, and are there any potential long-term complications to be aware of?

  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of spinal fusion surgery?

  8. What is your experience and success rate with performing spinal fusion surgery?

  9. Will robotic systems or image-guided navigation be used during the surgery to improve accuracy, and how will that benefit me as a patient?

  10. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow to ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Russo F, Nardi N, Papalia GF, Papalia R, Vadalà G, Denaro V. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2025 May;34(5):1890-1899. doi: 10.1007/s00586-025-08822-z. Epub 2025 Apr 9. PMID: 40199753