Intraoperative Navigation and Robotics in Pediatric Spinal Deformity.

Abstract

Current technologies for image guidance navigation and robotic assistance with spinal surgery are improving rapidly with several systems commercially available. Newer machine vision technology has several potential advantages. Limited studies have shown similar outcomes to traditional navigation platforms with decreased intraoperative radiation and time required for registration. However, there are no active robotic arms that can be coupled with machine vision navigation. Further research is necessary to justify the cost, potential increased operative time, and workflow issues but the use of navigation and robotics will only continue to expand given the growing body of evidence supporting their use.