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

Percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation is a widely used technique for stabilizing sacral fractures but is considered technically demanding due to complex pelvic anatomy and proximity to neurovascular structures. Conventional fluoroscopy-guided methods are associated with a relatively high risk of screw misplacement and considerable radiation exposure to patients and staff. Robotic-assisted navigation systems have been introduced to enhance screw accuracy and reduce radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of sacroiliac screw fixation using a robot-assisted method compared with a conventional freehand technique.

Medical records of patients treated with sacroiliac screw fixation for sacral fractures at a single Level 1 trauma center between December 2014 and August 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into robotic-assisted and freehand fluoroscopy-guided groups for comparative analysis. Primary outcomes were intraoperative radiation exposure and operative time; secondary outcomes included screw position accuracy and complications. Statistical analysis was performed with significance set at p < 0.05.

Twenty-five patients (mean age: 57.7 ± 22.4 years) were included; 15 in the robotic-assisted and 10 in the conventional fluoroscopy-guided groups. A total of 47 SI-screws were inserted: 29 in the robotic group and 18 in the conventional group. Operative times were comparable between groups (47.1 ± 16.3 min and. 45.1 ± 30.0 min, respectively; p = 0.85). Compared to conventional fluoroscopy, robotic assistance was associated with reduced fluoroscopy time (55.1 ± 23.1 vs. 181.1 ± 104.4 s, p=0.053) and higher screw placement accuracy (94 % vs. 62 %, p = 0.06), although these did not reach statistical significance. No major intraoperative complications occurred.

Robotic-assisted navigation in sacroiliac screw insertion can potentially lower radiation exposure and improve screw placement accuracy compared to conventional techniques, without prolonging surgical time. These findings support robotic guidance as a safe and potentially more precise alternative for sacral fracture fixation. Further prospective studies should be performed to evaluate the possible benefits of robotic assisted sacroiliac screw fixation.