Robotic Navigation: Summary of Clinical Results

Robot-assisted navigation in spine surgery is a relatively new technology that has combined the use of two independent technologies, robot-assisted guidance and navigation, enabling surgeons to utilize the advantages of a stabilized robot arm along with real-time visual feedback of navigation. While the literature for robot-assisted navigation is less robust due to its recency, this technology has already demonstrated promising outcomes. These include comparable pedicle screw accuracy to conventional techniques, low robot abandonment rates, decreased radiation exposure, and decreased perioperative transfusions. Early postoperative outcomes including revision surgery and robot-related complications are low. Long-term outcomes and the economic impact of robot-assisted navigation in spine surgery are limited in current literature. As the data supporting safe, efficient, and effective care for spine patients grows, the use of robot-assisted navigation remains an attractive technology.