OBJECTIVE To review the current applications of robotics in spinal surgery. METHODS We reviewed the literature on robotic surgery identified by searching Pubmed. Articles reporting clinical results of robotic surgeries using the da Vinci surgical system(R) were analyzed. Descriptions of our trials and comparisons with the conventional techniques were added to the review. RESULTS Several surgical robots have been developed however, most of the robots are currently unavailable for practical use. Most of publications regarding spinal surgical robots merely suggested its feasibility. The da vinci surgical system(R) is the popular robotic system designed for use in various surgical fields. However, clinical applications of this innovative instrument in spinal surgery seem to be in the experimental phase.
According to our research, the advantages of robotic surgery using the da Vinci surgical system(R) were maximized in cases of paravertebral or presacral tumors however, its use in other types of spinal surgeries such as the transoral craniovertebral junction approach andanterior lumbar interbody fusion will be feasible in the near future despite the current limitations. CONCLUSION Clinical application of robotic surgery in the spinal surgical field is currently confined to the treatment of some specific diseases or procedures however, robotic surgery is expected to play a practical future role as a minimally invasive surgical instrument in spinal surgery.
