Our Summary

Spine surgery has seen a lot of technological advancements over the years. These include improvements in how the surgery is performed, the tools and materials used, and equipment like computers to help navigate during surgery and robots to assist. Now, we have real-time images to guide the surgery and computers can process this data to create a 3D map of the spine. This has increased the use of robots in surgery.

Robotic technology and navigation are useful for different types of spine surgeries, such as removing tumors, redoing previous spine surgeries, and correcting deformed spines. They can also reduce the risk of harmful radiation exposure during minimally invasive surgery for the patient, surgeon, and other staff in the operating room.

Spine surgery requires precise motor skills to handle the delicate nerves and steady hands, often working in small areas to minimize damage. The procedures can be long and tiring, which can wear out the surgeon both mentally and physically. Given these aspects, spine surgery is a good candidate for using navigation and robotic-assisted procedures.

This paper aims to critically analyze existing research and examine the options available for navigation and robotic-assisted spine surgery.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the recent technological advancements in spine surgery?
  2. How does the use of robots and navigation systems in spine surgery benefit the patient and the surgical team?
  3. What types of spine surgeries can benefit from robotic technology and navigation?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about spinal surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team. This may include stopping certain medications, fasting before surgery, and avoiding smoking or alcohol. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help improve recovery and overall spine health. Lastly, be sure to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have before and after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for spinal surgery include those with:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Herniated discs
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal fractures
  • Spinal tumors
  • Spinal infections
  • Spinal deformities

Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections may be candidates for spinal surgery. Additionally, patients who experience severe and persistent pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the extremities may also be recommended for surgery.

It is important for patients to consult with a spine specialist to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition. The use of navigation and robotic-assisted technology can help improve the accuracy and precision of spine surgery, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Timeline

Before spine surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a spine specialist to discuss symptoms, medical history, and treatment options.
  2. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the underlying cause of the spine issue.
  3. Pre-operative appointments with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery process.
  4. Physical therapy or other conservative treatments to manage pain and improve mobility if necessary.

After spine surgery:

  1. Recovery in the hospital for a few days to monitor for any complications.
  2. Physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the spine.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  4. Gradual return to normal activities and work, with restrictions on lifting and bending as the spine heals.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to ensure the spine remains stable and pain-free.
  6. Some patients may require ongoing physical therapy or pain management to manage any residual symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery include:

  1. What type of spine surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. Will robotic technology or navigation be used during my surgery? If so, how will it benefit me?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery and what is the success rate?
  6. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  7. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  8. What alternative treatment options are available, if any?
  9. How can I prepare for the surgery in terms of lifestyle changes or medications?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with my surgeon before the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Overley SC, Cho SK, Mehta AI, Arnold PM. Journal: Neurosurgery. 2017 Mar 1;80(3S):S86-S99. doi: 10.1093/neuros/nyw077. PMID: 28350944