P.152 In-vivo accuracy of pedicle screws utilizing a supervisory controlled 7DOF robot with OCT guidance

Abstract

Background: Pedicle screw fixation is an important technique in spine surgery. Violation of the pedicle can lead to neurovascular injury. Due to excellent pose repeatability, robotic technology may improve accuracy. Existing surgical spine robots use surgical assist architecture. This work explores the performance of a supervisory-control architecture robot (8i Robotics) for autonomous pedicle instrumentation. Methods: 3 porcine subjects underwent pedicle instrumentation utilizing the 7dof robot and were observed for 24 hours. Post-operative CT assessed screw location. Screws were graded clinically with the Gertzbein-Robbins Scale (GRS). Precision was assessed by a customized image processing pipeline. Euclidean error was calculated at screw head and screw tip. All points were normalized to a nominal screw, and confidence ellipses generated. Results: All animals were neurologically intact at 24 hours. All screws where GRS A. Mean tip and head Euclidean error where 2.47+/−1.25mm and 2.25+/-1.25mm respectively. Major and minor axes of the confidence ellipse at 99% was 2.19mm, and 1.28mm, and 2.07mm, and 0.42mm for tip and head respectively. Conclusions: 100% of screws obtained satisfactory clinical grading, with intact function in all animals post-operatively. This shows the capability of a supervisory-controlled 7DOF robot with OCT registration. Further investigation is warranted to further explore robotic capabilities, safety, and cost effectiveness.