As medical technology advances, surgical robotics has emerged as a key innovation, offering significant potential and value in various procedures. Perlove Medical’s Spine Surgery Navigation and Positioning System, which integrates a 3D C-arm and orthopedic surgical robot, provides a comprehensive solution for spinal surgeries. It addresses the challenges of precision in puncture accuracy, shortens the learning curve for surgeons, and delivers a safer, more efficient, and precise treatment experience for patients.
Case Overview: Robot-Assisted Lumbar Scoliosis Correction Surgery
Patient: Female, 50 years old
Diagnosis: Scoliosis, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation
Hospital: Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University
Preoperative Condition
The patient had a history of polio with poor early treatment outcomes, resulting in unilateral limb deformity, muscle atrophy, and severe spinal scoliosis. Chronic back pain and neurological symptoms, such as numbness and weakness in one or both lower limbs, were prominent. Mobility was severely restricted—walking a few steps required rest—resulting in a significant decline in quality of life.
To address these issues, the medical team opted for robot-assisted posterior lumbar decompression, fusion, and fixation surgery, leveraging the precision and efficiency of an orthopedic surgical robot to overcome the challenges posed by years of spinal deformity and unclear anatomical structures.
Surgical Process
Robot-Assisted Posterior Lumbar Decompression, Bone Grafting, and Internal Fixation Surgery
1. Preoperative 3D Imaging
Perlove Medical’s flat-panel 3D C-arm provided clear and stable images for precise preoperative planning.
2. Screw Placement Pathway Planning
Real-time imaging data was transmitted to the navigation workstation, allowing surgeons to plan the placement, depth, and angles of the pedicle screws.
Traditional manual screw placement in scoliosis surgeries requires highly experienced surgeons and multiple X-ray validations, which are time-consuming and expose both patients and surgeons to significant radiation. Using an orthopedic surgical robot simplifies the process and reduces radiation exposure by enabling efficient planning and precise screw placement.
Completion of Planning for 6 Screws in One Session
3. Execution
The robot-assisted system facilitated the insertion of six pedicle screws along the pre-planned paths in a single step. Intraoperative imaging confirmed that the screws were placed precisely, allowing surgeons to proceed with decompression and fusion procedures seamlessly.
Clinical Value
- 360° Imaging: Real-time 3D imaging provided a comprehensive view of the surgical area, supporting accurate decision-making.
- Enhanced Precision: Surgeons were able to plan and execute optimal screw placement, improving stability and increasing surgical safety.
- Efficiency in Complex Cases: In challenging cases like scoliosis, the robotic system enabled the placement of multiple screws in one step, reducing surgical time, radiation exposure, and risks.
This case demonstrates the transformative potential of combining 3D imaging and robotic-assisted technology to enhance safety, precision, and efficiency in complex spinal surgeries.
