Robotic Tissue Manipulation and Resection in Spine Surgery

Spine surgery has evolved from the advent of imaging and navigation guidance, particularly with the rise of robotic surgical assistance. Navigation guidance has demonstrated potential for increased accuracy of transpedicular screw placement and resecting primary and metastatic spinal tumors. Robotic surgery is widely accepted in other surgical fields because laparoscopic techniques applied to robots can increase operator dexterity and improve visualization. Robotic assistance with spinal tumors has enjoyed rising interest owing to the potential for safe and minimally traumatic resection. We discuss available robots used for navigation-guided transpedicular screw placement and state-of-the-art robotic techniques for spinal or paraspinal tumor resection.