Scoping review of robotics technology in spinal surgery with highlights of the Annual Seattle Science Foundation Course.

Abstract

Background: Robotic assistance has become increasingly prevalent in spinal surgery in recent years, emerging as a tool to increase accuracy and precision and lower complication rates and radiation exposure. The 7^th and 8^th Annual Seattle Science Foundation (SSF) Robotics Courses showcased presentations and demonstrations from some of the field's most experiences leaders on latest topics in robotics and spinal surgery, including cutting-edge preoperative planning technologies, augmented reality (AR) in the operating room, cervical fusion with transpedicular screws, and neuro-oncologic management. We provide a scoping review of the use of robotics technology in spinal surgery featuring highlights from the 7^th and 8^th Annual SSF Robotics Courses.

Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted (last search conducted in July 2024). Key search terms included "robotic assistance", "spine surgery", and "robotic technology" on the PubMed database. Additionally, highlights are included from the 7^th and 8^th Annual SSF Robotics Courses.

Results: Applications of navigation robotics span subspecialties of spine surgery including deformity correction, minimally invasive approaches, lateral single position operations, spinal oncology, and cervical fusion. Tips on overcoming traditional obstacles of robotics integration such as streamlining staff workflow and adoption while financing robotic-assisted technology are shared. Future directions of robotics enhanced with AR may further guide surgeon decision-making, assist in more practical fashion intraoperatively, and optimize patient outcomes.

Conclusions: While improved precision and accuracy, less radiation, and standardization of procedures represent current advantages of robotic-assistance across spine surgery, robotics in spine surgery will usher more transformative changes to patient care and operative skill in coming years.