In the April 1 special insert, Spine included an article examining the future of robotics in spine surgery by Vikas Patel, MD, a surgeon at The Spine Center of University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora.
Here are five key observations from the article.
1. While robotics have been available in the U.S. for spine surgery since 2004, the technology didn't see significant use until 2011. However, there were still fewer than 100 installations in 2015.
2. Robotics in spine surgery has gained acceptance over the years, and in 2015 around 3,000 procedures were performed annually in the U.S. with the technology.
3. Resident training and hour restrictions could push more spine surgeons to incorporate robotics into their operating rooms. Residency work hour restrictions mean surgeons in training spend less time learning about the procedure, which could make robotics a valuable tool to increase the safety of performing spinal procedures.
4. Spine robots are currently a guide to position tools used during the procedures and place pedicle screws. There is a potential for evolution in the future; surgeons may be able to use robots to detect proximity to protected structures or handle more complex tissue manipulations.
5. The robotics industry in the U.S. is expected to reach $6.8 billion by 2021, growing from $4 billion in 2016. "Robotics in spine surgery will continue to grow as a tool to improve safety, and increase our efficiencies and capabilities in the OR," wrote Dr. Patel.