Learning curve for robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw placement in thoracolumbar surgery

Abstract

Study Design: Retrospective review of an initial cohort of consecutive patients undergoing robot-assisted pedicle screw placement. Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the learning curve, if any, of this new technology over the course of our experience. OverView of Literature: Percutaneous pedicle screws have specific advantages over open freehand screws. However, they require intraoperative imaging for their placement (e.g., fluoroscopy and navigation) and require increased surgeon training and skill with the learning curve estimated at approximately 20-30 cases. To our knowledge, this is the first study that measures the learning curve of robot-guided purely percutaneous pedicle screw placement w..