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Published on: May 11, 2020
Robotic approaches to the posterior spine
Karthikeyan Ponnusamy1, Samuel Chewning, Catherine Mohr
1Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Spine
|September 5, 2009
Summary
This study explored robotic posterior spine surgery using the da Vinci system in pigs. The robotic approach improved surgeon ergonomics and control, reducing fatigue and tremor during procedures.
Area of Science:
- Robotic surgery
- Spine surgery
- Surgical ergonomics
Background:
- Spine surgery demands high precision due to proximity to the spinal cord.
- The da Vinci robotic system enhances ergonomics and control in various surgical fields.
- No prior studies have explored the da Vinci robot for posterior spine surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess a robotic approach to the posterior thoracolumbar spine.
- To maximize surgeon ergonomics and control during posterior spine procedures.
Main Methods:
- Anatomic study in a porcine model using the da Vinci surgical system.
- Tested robotic instruments for laminotomy, laminectomy, disc incision, and dural suturing.
- Evaluated ergonomics, control, and technical challenges.
Main Results:
- Successful execution of key posterior spine procedures (laminotomy, laminectomy, disc incision, dural suturing).
- Prototype robotic instruments demonstrated effective control.
- Improved surgeon ergonomics led to reduced fatigue and hand tremor over a full day of procedures.
Conclusions:
- The da Vinci robot can perform major non-instrumented posterior spine procedures with enhanced ergonomics and control.
- Reduced surgeon fatigue and tremor were observed.
- Development of a specialized robotic instrument kit for posterior spine surgery is feasible.
