Precision and effort in robot-assisted placement of pedicle screws compared to standard surgical navigation: a cadaveric study

Abstract

Background: Aim was to compare image-guided navigation with a robot-assisted solution for performing MISS regardarding precision, required time and subjective aspects. Methods: 90 pedicles were instrumented on two torsos, half with navigation, half robot-assisted. Results: Precision analysis between both solutions didn’t show a significant difference. Time measurement showed a significantly longer duration per wire for the robot-arm on the first torso and a not significant longer duration on the second torso, where a significant reduction in the mean duration was shown. There was no significant difference in the subjective impressions comparing navigation and robot except the possibility to change the procedure. Conclusion: Precision of both methods is suitable for clinical use. A time advantage using the robot-arm couldn`t be demonstrated in the present study. A significant learning curve was shown, so a reduction in the longer duration on the robot can be expected. Further studies in clinical use are necessary.