Both orthopedic surgical robots and endoscopic surgical robots are types of medical surgical robots, but they are designed for different kinds of procedures based on where they are used in the body.
Orthopedic Surgical Robots
Orthopedic surgical robots assist doctors in bone-related surgeries, such as joint replacements and spine surgeries. These robots provide clearer images of the surgical area, help reduce damage to healthy bone tissue, and support quicker recovery for patients.
Endoscopic Surgical Robots
Endoscopic surgical robots are used in a wide range of soft tissue surgeries, including urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, and general surgery. They work by extending the surgeon’s vision and precision inside the patient’s body. Using a camera (endoscope) and robotic arms that mimic the surgeon’s hands, doctors can perform minimally invasive operations more accurately.
Key Differences in Clinical Use
The biggest difference lies in what problems each type of robot is designed to solve:
Endoscopic Surgical Robots – Focus on Precision
Da Vinci Orthopedic Surgical Robot
Endoscopic robots, such as the well-known Da Vinci Surgical System, are mainly used to improve surgical accuracy in soft tissue procedures. Soft tissue surgeries, especially for tumors, require very delicate movements. A small mistake can damage nearby critical structures like blood vessels or nerves.
Manual surgery, especially using long-handled tools in minimally invasive procedures, can be difficult to keep stable. The Da Vinci robot helps solve this by allowing the surgeon to control robotic arms from a console, improving precision and stability during the operation.
Orthopedic Surgical Robots – Focus on Personalization
In contrast, orthopedic surgical robots are designed to adapt to the individual differences of each patient. These robots work with hard tissues like bones and use imaging data (like X-rays, CT, or CBCT scans) taken before or during surgery. With this data, they create a personalized surgical plan and guide the surgeon along the best path for that specific patient.
Since every patient’s bone structure and condition are different, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work well. In the past, orthopedic surgeons relied heavily on experience and anatomical landmarks, which could sometimes lead to errors. Robotic systems can simulate the surgery using software, identify the ideal target area, and improve the accuracy of the operation.
Perlove Orthopedic Surgical Robot
Example: PL300B Orthopedic Surgical Robot from Perlove Medical
A good example is the PL300B Orthopedic Surgical Robot by Perlove Medical. It’s a navigation and positioning system for spine surgery. When used with the PLX7500 3D C-arm, it can provide real-time 3D imaging and precise positioning during surgery. This allows for standardized approaches in complex surgeries, minimizes invasiveness in routine procedures, and brings smart automation to critical steps.
The system not only improves the outcome of orthopedic surgeries but also helps doctors learn and master surgical techniques more quickly.
In summary, while both types of surgical robots aim to enhance the quality and safety of surgery, they serve different purposes:
- Endoscopic robots focus on precision in soft tissue surgeries
- Orthopedic robots focus on personalized planning in bone surgeries
As medical technology continues to evolve, surgical robots are becoming an increasingly valuable tool in the operating room, bringing patients safer, faster, and more accurate care.
