Our Summary
This research paper is about a comparison study between two different types of surgical procedures used to treat degenerative diseases in the lumbar and sacral spine (the lower part of the back). The two types of surgery being compared are robotic surgery, and neuronavigation surgery. The study was conducted in two hospitals in Italy, where they treated a total of 76 patients using both surgical methods between March 2024 and December 2024.
The researchers looked at various aspects of each surgery, such as the patient’s age, gender, body mass index, the number of vertebrae involved, the number of screws placed, the time it took to perform the surgery, how much blood was lost, and how much radiation was exposed. They also looked at the accuracy of the surgeries and compared various factors before and after the surgeries.
The patients were assigned randomly to either the robotic surgery group or the neuronavigation surgery group. Of the 76 patients, 48 underwent robotic surgery and 28 underwent neuronavigation surgery.
The results showed that both types of surgeries had comparable results in terms of blood loss and functional outcomes. There was a slight misplacement rate of screws in the neuronavigation surgery, but this did not have any clinical impact on the patients. The types of diseases treated included degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and traumatic pathology.
The study concluded that while there was a trend towards more precise screw placement with robotic technology, there was no significant difference when compared to neuronavigation. Both types of surgical methods were found to be safe and effective. However, they both require a high level of skill and ongoing improvements to be most effective.
FAQs
- What are the two types of surgical procedures compared in this study for treating degenerative diseases in the lumbar and sacral spine?
- What factors were considered by the researchers in comparing the two types of surgeries?
- What were the results of the comparison study between robotic surgery and neuronavigation surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including physical therapy exercises and restrictions on activities. This can help ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can also support the healing process and overall spinal health.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for spinal surgery include those with degenerative diseases in the lumbar and sacral spine, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and traumatic pathology. These patients may experience symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking. They may have tried non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections without success.
Patients who have significant pain, neurological deficits, or loss of function that is affecting their quality of life may be candidates for spinal surgery. Additionally, patients who have structural issues in the spine, such as instability or deformity, may also benefit from surgical intervention.
It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if surgery is the best option for their specific condition. Factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and expectations for surgery should be taken into consideration when recommending spinal surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo surgery should be made in collaboration with the patient and their healthcare team.
Timeline
Before the spinal surgery, the patient typically undergoes a series of diagnostic tests and evaluations to determine the best course of treatment. This may include imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, as well as physical examinations and medical history reviews. The patient may also undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections before surgery is considered.
After the surgery, the patient will typically spend some time recovering in the hospital before being discharged. The length of the hospital stay will vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s individual recovery process. The patient will be given instructions on how to care for their incision site, manage pain, and gradually increase activity levels. Physical therapy may be recommended to help the patient regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
In the weeks and months following surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns. It may take several months for the patient to fully recover and return to normal activities. The overall goal of spinal surgery is to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life for the patient.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery include:
- What specific type of spinal surgery do you recommend for my condition?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
- How long will the recovery process be, and what can I expect in terms of post-operative pain and rehabilitation?
- How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
- Are there any alternative treatment options available besides surgery?
- Will I need physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after the surgery?
- How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
- What are the chances of needing additional surgeries in the future after this procedure?
- How soon can I return to work and resume normal activities after the surgery?
- What steps can I take to ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery?
Reference
Authors: Garufi G, Scalia G, Graziano F, Costanzo R, Porzio M, Ponzo G, Giuffrida M, Ricciardo G, Umana GE, Nicoletti GF, Cardali SM. Journal: Neurosurg Rev. 2025 Jun 21;48(1):524. doi: 10.1007/s10143-025-03674-z. PMID: 40542927