Robotic navigation during spine surgery: an update of literature

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The application of robotic navigation during spine surgery has advanced rapidly over the past two decades, especially in the last 5 years. Robotic systems in spine surgery may offer potential advantages for both patients and surgeons. This article serves as an update to our previous review and explores the current status of spine surgery robots in clinical settings. AREAS COVERED: We evaluated the literature published from 2020 to 2022 on the outcomes of robotics-assisted spine surgery, including accuracy and its influencing factors, radiation exposure, and follow-up results. EXPERT OPINION: The application of robotics in spine surgery has driven spine surgery into a new era of precision treatment through a form of artificial intelligence assistance that compensates for the limitations of human abilities. Modularized robot configurations, intelligent alignment and planning incorporating multimodal images, efficient and simple human - machine interaction, accurate surgical status monitoring, and safe control strategies are the main technical features for the development of orthopedic surgical robots. The use of robotics-assisted decompression, osteotomies, and decision-making warrants further study. Future investigations should focus on patients' needs while continuing to explore in-depth medical - industrial collaborative development innovations that improve the overall utilization of artificial intelligence and sophistication in disease treatment.