Robot-assisted versus navigated transpedicular spine fusion: A comparative study

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between a robot-assisted versus a navigated transpedicular fusion technique.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent transpedicular posterior fusion of the spine due to trauma, pyogenic spondylodiscitis and osteoporosis. Surgery was done either with a robot-assisted or a percutaneous navigated transpedicular fusion technique. The outcome analysis included the duration of surgery, the radiation exposure, the postoperative screw position and complications.

Results: A total of 60 patients were operated and 491 screws were analysed. No statistical difference was seen in the applied cumulative effective radiation dose per patient. The radiological assessment revealed a more accurate screw placement with robot assistance. A learning curve could be observed in robot-assisted fusion.

Conclusion: Robot-assisted and navigated transpedicular fusion techniques are both effective and safe. Robot-assisted transpedicular spine fusion goes along with higher placement accuracy but its implementation needs an adequate learning curve.