[ROBOTIC ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY - WHERE ARE WE STANDING TODAY?]

Abstract

Introduction: The use of robotic and semi-robotic systems in surgery was introduced back in the 1980s, and in orthopedic surgery in the 1990s, but many years passed before it became a significant part of orthopedic surgery. In recent years, robotic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery and advanced technologies have gained popularity and have been integrated as a fundamental part of orthopedic surgery. Adult limb reconstruction, Total Knee Replacement in particular, is probably the highest volume surgery performed in a robotic assisted manner in orthopedic surgery. However, advanced technologies are not limited to knee replacement surgeries. Spine surgery is the second sub-specialty in orthopedics using robotic assistance and navigation in surgery. In recent years we have seen the introduction of advanced technologies into many fields of orthopedic surgery, including foot and ankle surgery, trauma surgery and other subspecialties. In most cases the use of robotic systems is safe, but there are no prospective, long-term high quality studies that indicate a significant advantage for one of the options. There is an abundance of researchers currently investigating this topic. In this article we review the latest uses and developments of robotics and advanced technologies in orthopedic surgery.