Spinal fusion surgery
Watch this video to learn more about spinal fusion surgery to correct deformity!
Robotics coupled with navigation
The use of robotics in spinal surgery has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) since 2004. The most recent development of robotics coupled with navigation was approved for pediatric use by the FDA in 2019. This system is used in standard of care treatment by some spine surgeons across the country.
The spine houses many vital structures, including the spinal cord and nerves, in the humanbody, and spinal surgery therefore requires great accuracy throughout lengthy operations.Given the severity of the risks associated with malpositioned pedicle screws, research and development of the most accurate and efficient treatment technique is essential.The robotic system allows for a guided and less invasive approach to spinal surgery than freehand open techniques. The system also allows surgeons to plan each surgery beforehand and receive real-time feedback during surgery via images taken of the spine. Specifically, the robot aligns with the spine to assist the surgeon with accurately placing hardware such as screws during the surgery, and the navigation system allows the surgeon to see exactly where in the spine they are inserting the hardware. The robot does not perform the surgery, rather it aids the surgeon.
Watch this video to learn more about the use of robotics coupled with navigation in spinal fusion surgery! You will see Dr. Daniel Hedequist and team at Boston Children’s Hospital demonstrate the use of robotics in surgery from start to finish. The simulation shows how the robotic arm is positioned, how it register the surgical field, and how it guides trajectories for screw placement. You will also see what the navigation screen looks like during robot use.
Surgeons: Watch this video if you are interested in learning more about robotic workflow!