Global research trends and hotspots in robot-assisted spinal surgery for spinal deformity: a bibliometric analysis

This bibliometric study maps the global landscape and evolutionary trajectories of robot-assisted spinal surgery in spinal deformity by analyzing 121 works (75.2% original research) retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (2004-2025). Utilizing Bibliometrix, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, SCImago Graphica, and Gephi, the analysis identifies the United States (58 articles, 1,513 citations) and China (36 articles, 651 citations) as the dominant contributors, with high-output institutions such as the University of California San Diego, Harvard Medical School, and Columbia University leading the global landscape. Leading authors Lieberman IH and Pham MH (7 papers each) and key journals like European Spine Journal and Spine constitute the core academic network. Thematic evolution reveals that while early research focused on pedicle screw accuracy and the validation of pelvic fixation and minimally invasive approaches, the "accuracy-correction paradox" is now driving the field toward AI-integrated intelligent decision-making. Currently, economic feasibility and clinical management have emerged as pivotal dimensions for the real-world implementation of robot-assisted spinal surgery, emphasizing the transition from technical validation to value-based medical resource allocation.