Page 41 - WNS 2024 e-Program - Resized and Binded

Sunday, September 8, 2024
Scientific Session V
Spine

Can the Robot Do Anything Else Besides Put in a Screw? The
Future of Spinal Robotics is NOW.
Rick Chua, MD, FAANS, FCS, FACS, Professor of Neurosurgery/University
of Arizona – Tucson
Director, Spine MIS and Robotics
Medical Director, Comprehensive Spine Program
Banner University Medicine - Tucson

The use of navigated, robotic-guided techniques for spinal instrumented
fusion surgery have created a new era for enabling technologies to improve
outcomes and reduce complications. Early generations of spine robots
improved the precise placement of pedicle screws, however, were limited
with other aspects of spinal fusion procedure. Recent software and
hardware advancements now allow for patient-specific, pre-operative
computer planning of skin incisions for minimally invasive surgery,
interbody cage configuration, segmental correction of alignment in short-
segment fusions, deformity correction in long-segment fusions, patient-
specific rods. The newest updated technology allows for navigated, robotic-
guided facet decortication and facet fusion and bony decompression. This
includes performing a complete facetectomy and laminectomy (both
ipsilateral and contralateral, for example, in a TLIF technique). Early
observations suggest that this technique is accurate, improves efficiency,
reduces drill-related jumping, may reduce durotomies, improves surgeon
ergonomics, and reduces surgeon hand fatigue. We report our early
experience with navigated, robotic-guided bone resection including
operative technique, clinical results, and complications.