Surgical robots were first proposed in the 1960s with subsequent development and clinical implementation in the 1980s and 1990s. Recent advances in technology have led to widespread utilization of robots in many surgical subspecialties. In spine surgery, robots are primarily utilized for pedicle screw placement, with several studies highlighting the potential benefits of improved accuracy and reduction in radiation exposure. Once streamlined, robotic spine surgery (RSS) can provide financial renumeration through potential cost savings and marketing benefits, and in the future will likely aid in more complex surgeries. In Rhode Island, this technology has been implemented and has the potential to deliver optimized outcomes for patients. Robotic spine surgery is not a substitute for a skilled spine surgeon however, and careful diagnosis, care planning, and surgical execution are still mandatory to deliver the best possible patient outcomes. In this review, we chronicle the history of RSS, outline currently available RSS platforms, describe the efficacy, risks, and complications of RSS procedures, and explain the current and future utilization of RSS in Rhode Island.
Keywords: Rhode Island; robotic surgery; spine surgery.