Mid-term efficacy of non-contact orthopedic robot navigation in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis

Objective: This study was aimed to explore the mid-term efficacy of non-contact orthopedic robot navigation in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Methods: The clinical data of young and middle-aged patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis were retrospectively analyzed and divided into an observation group and a control group according to surgical methods. The observation group was treated with minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) combined with orthopedic robot-navigated percutaneous pedicle screw fixation; while the control group underwent traditional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). Perioperative indicators, waist and leg pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and complications were compared between groups.

Results: A total of 32 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis were included in this study, with the average age of 50.3 ± 2.7 years old. There were 17 patients in the observation group and 15 patients in the control group. Although the new surgical technique for the observation group may require longer operative time, it showed significant advantages in reducing intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage, and shortening hospital stay. These benefits might result in faster recovery for patients, reduced risk of complications, and improved overall quality of life. The new technology was also significantly better compared to the traditional method in terms of VAS scores and ODI at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. These results provided patients with better treatment options and potentially a faster path to recovery. One case with infectious incision in the observation group and one case with intraspinal hematoma formation in the control group were observed. However, there was no statistical difference in the complication rates between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The non-contact orthopedic robot navigation for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis was demonstrated to be minimally invasive, precise, and stable surgical method. It is a treatment option worth considering for suitable patients.