Robotic navigation in spine surgery: Where are we now and where are we going?

Journal: Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
Published Date:

Abstract

Robotic navigation is a new and rapidly emerging niche within minimally invasive spine surgery. The robotic arms-race began in 2004 and has resulted in no less than four major robotic surgical adjuncts. Current Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved applications of robotic navigation are limited to pedicle screw instrumentation, but new indications and experimental applications are rapidly emerging. As with any new technology, robotic navigation must be vetted for clinical efficacy, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Given the rapid advancements made on a yearly basis, it is important to make frequent and objective assessments of the available technology. Thus, the authors seek to provide the most up-to-date review of the history, currently available technology, learning curve, novel applications, and cost effectiveness of today's available robotic systems as it relates to spine surgery.

Authors

  • Timothy Y Wang
    Department of Neurological Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. Electronic address: Timothy.wang@duke.edu.
  • Christine Park
    School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
  • Tara Dalton
    School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
  • Shashank Rajkumar
    School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
  • Edwin McCray
    School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
  • Edwin Owolo
    School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
  • Khoi D Than
    Department of Neurological Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
  • Muhammad M Abd-El-Barr
    Department of Neurological Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.