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

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between a robot‐assisted versus a navigated transpedicular fusion technique.MethodsThis 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionRobot‐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.