Robotic-assisted versus fluoroscopy-guided sacroiliac screw fixation: A retrospective comparative study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Medical robotics
• Trauma care

Background:

• Percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation is crucial for sacral fractures but technically challenging.
• Conventional fluoroscopy carries risks of screw misplacement and high radiation exposure.
• Robotic navigation offers enhanced accuracy and reduced radiation for SI screw fixation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of robot-assisted SI screw fixation versus conventional freehand techniques.
• To evaluate intraoperative radiation exposure, operative time, screw accuracy, and complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 25 patients with sacral fractures undergoing SI screw fixation.
• Comparison between a robotic-assisted group (15 patients) and a freehand fluoroscopy-guided group (10 patients).
• Outcomes assessed included radiation dose, operative duration, screw placement accuracy, and complications.

Main Results:

• Operative times were similar between robotic and conventional groups (47.1 vs. 45.1 minutes).
• Robotic assistance trended towards reduced fluoroscopy time (55.1 vs. 181.1 seconds) and improved screw accuracy (94% vs. 62%).
• No major intraoperative complications were reported in either group.

Conclusions:

• Robotic-assisted SI screw fixation may lower radiation exposure and enhance screw accuracy compared to conventional methods.
• The technique appears safe and potentially more precise for sacral fracture fixation.
• Further prospective studies are recommended to confirm the benefits of robotic guidance.