Robotic arms could give surgeons a hand in future spinal surgery

Spinal conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis could be rectified with the help of robotic arms that semi-autonomously drill holes into individual vertebrae.

The technology promises to deliver previously unachieved levels of accuracy, partly because the robotic arms move in unison and naturally with the patient’s spine during the operation whilst drilling.

The advance forms part of research being led by Prof. Philip Breedon at Nottingham Trent University’s Medical Design Research Group. The team also explored the use of augmented reality to provide surgeons with live visual feedback to illustrate the depth of each hole as it is drilled. Accuracy of drilling has been recorded at 0.1mm.

“Surgeons performing life-changing operations to correct spinal conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis have to ensure pinpoint levels of accuracy are achieved to avoid causing unnecessary and potentially serious injuries,” said Prof. Breedon.