Our Summary

Spinal surgery is complex and requires great precision to avoid serious complications like nerve damage and paralysis. Recently, robots have been used to assist in these surgeries because they can be more precise than humans. Robots can help plan the surgery and guide the surgeon during the operation, which reduces the chance of mistakes. This article reviewed how robots are being used in spinal surgeries and how effective they are.

To do this, the authors looked at different scientific articles in two databases, PubMed and Scopus. They specifically looked at articles relating to robots and spinal surgery. They found that robots, like the Mazor X Stealth, are very accurate at placing screws in the spine with very little error. Studies have shown that the use of robots in surgery results in more accurate screw placement compared to traditional methods.

Robotic assistance in surgery also leads to shorter operations, less blood loss, and less radiation exposure to both patients and the surgical team. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the high cost of these systems and the need for special training to use them. Despite these challenges, the benefits of using robots in spinal surgery are significant. It makes the surgery safer and less invasive, and the results are as good or better than traditional methods. Therefore, more technological advancements and training are needed to use robots more widely in spinal surgeries.

FAQs

  1. Why are robots being used in spinal surgeries?
  2. What benefits do robots provide in spinal surgeries compared to traditional methods?
  3. What challenges exist in implementing robotic assistance in spinal surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to discuss with their surgeon the possibility of using robotic assistance during the procedure. This technology can improve the accuracy of the surgery, reduce the risk of complications, and lead to a faster recovery. Patients should also follow their surgeon’s pre and post-operative instructions closely to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for spinal surgery include those with severe and persistent back pain, spinal deformities such as scoliosis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal fractures, spinal tumors, and spinal instability. Patients who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections may be candidates for spinal surgery. Additionally, patients who experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in their arms or legs may also benefit from spinal surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine. It is important for patients to consult with a spine specialist to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as back pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to determine the cause of their symptoms. They will meet with a spine surgeon to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of surgery.

After spinal surgery, the patient will go through a recovery process that includes pain management, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments with their surgeon. They may experience some discomfort and limited mobility initially but should gradually improve over time. It is important for the patient to follow their surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery.

Overall, the use of robots in spinal surgery has been shown to improve accuracy, reduce complications, and provide better outcomes for patients. As technology continues to advance, the use of robots in spinal surgeries is expected to become more common, leading to even better results for patients in the future.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. How experienced are you in using robotic technology for spinal surgery?
  2. What specific benefits can I expect from having robotic-assisted spinal surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with robotic-assisted spinal surgery?
  4. How will the robot be used during my surgery, and how will it improve the outcome?
  5. Will the use of a robot make my recovery time shorter compared to traditional spinal surgery methods?
  6. Are there any additional costs associated with having robotic-assisted spinal surgery?
  7. What kind of training and qualifications do you need to operate the robotic system during surgery?
  8. How many surgeries have you performed using robotic assistance, and what has been your success rate?
  9. How will I be monitored and cared for during and after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?
  10. Are there any specific post-operative rehabilitation or precautions I need to follow after robotic-assisted spinal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Łajczak P, Żerdziński K, Jóźwik K, Laskowski M, Dymek M. Journal: World Neurosurg. 2024 Nov;191:109-116. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.08.051. Epub 2024 Aug 14. PMID: 39151699