Robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures have increased significantly over the last decade, with the most utility in hip, knee and some shoulder replacements.
Robotic assistance can mean anything from providing the surgeon with real-time data from intraoperative cameras, to directing where to cut the bone, to actually cutting the bone — but it’s important to note that the surgeon is always in charge.
“There are different levels of how robotics is used, but we are always controlling the robot and we’re not ready to take the leap to an autonomous robot in surgery,” explained Endeavor Health orthopaedic surgeon Anand Srinivasan, MD, an expert in minimally invasive hip and knee replacement.
Advanced technology helps improve precision
The most universally-accepted aspect of robotic assistance is a camera or reflector used in the procedure to help precisely map out the surgery, which leads to better individualization, explained Dr. Srinivasan.
“The more precision we have in the placement of the implant, the better the restoration of the individual patient anatomy,” said Dr. Srinivasan.
Ten years of data collection and advanced software related to robotic-assisted procedures have led to refinements in technique for implant placement and more precision.
“Robotics have enabled different alignment techniques and allowed for more precision, and the data suggests that these procedures have higher patient satisfaction and equal if not better outcomes,” added Dr. Srinivasan.
Robotic assistance and AI benefit patients
Ongoing data collection and AI-assisted algorithms will continue to lead to procedure improvements and further benefits for patients in the future. Already, there are benefits in terms of a better understanding of rare anatomies, like a severe bow-legged deformity or situation that even most experienced surgeons are unlikely to experience regularly.
“At the end of the day, the software and data collected may allow for more algorithmic approaches, but the surgeon still has to subject it all to thorough scrutiny. Our experience in interpretation of data is extremely valuable and is always necessary to make the right decisions for patients,” said Dr. Srinivasan.
Joint replacement procedures are among the most common surgical procedures in the country and will become even more commonplace as our population ages. Robotic assistance is one of the factors leading to improved safety and patient outcomes.
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