A research team from the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), has pioneered the use of robot-assisted technology in spine surgery in Hong Kong. This advanced technique, now being employed for the first time in the city, assists in guiding instrumentation during spinal procedures. Since October 2023, the team has successfully performed robot-guided spinal surgeries on 20 patients. These surgeries were conducted collaboratively by the Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, HKUMed, Queen Mary Hospital, and Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital. The incorporation of robotic technology in spine surgery significantly enhances precision, safety, and minimally invasive procedures, leading to improved surgical outcomes, reduced risk of complications, and better revision rates for patients.
Photo Caption:
Dr. Kenny Kwan Yat-hong (right) demonstrates the robot-assisted spine surgery.
Image source: University of Hong Kong
Spinal fusion surgery often necessitates the use of spinal instrumentation, particularly in treating scoliosis, a common spinal deformity in children. In adults, instrumentation is used to address back pain, spinal instability or deformities, and fractured spinal columns. Traditionally, surgeons place screws in the spine using a freehand technique, relying on their anatomical knowledge, surgical experience, and intraoperative X-rays to guide placement. While experienced surgeons can achieve high precision, the accuracy of screw placement has not been flawless.
Since October 2023, the team has performed 20 robotic spine surgeries on patients ranging in age from their teens to their seventies. One notable case involved a 72-year-old woman with degenerative kyphoscoliosis, who suffered from back pain and had difficulty walking for more than 10 minutes. Traditionally, her surgery would have relied on freehand screw insertion. However, with the new technology, the team used preoperative planning software to devise the optimal implant strategy. During the surgery, the plan was executed with the help of a surgical robot, allowing for stress-free and precise implant insertion. Despite the lengthy procedure, the surgery was completed successfully and smoothly.
Quote:
“The technology empowers surgeons to deliver the best possible outcomes for their patients when performing complex spinal procedures.”
- Dr. Kenny Kwan Yat-hong
The spine robotic system allows for preoperative planning using CT images of the patient’s spine. Surgeons can plan the ideal entry point, screw size, and trajectory tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and predict screw alignment. During surgery, the robotic arm is precisely guided to the pre-planned position, and real-time images of the patient’s spine provide unparalleled accuracy and precision in screw implantation. This represents a significant improvement over the traditional freehand technique, which depends heavily on the surgeon’s experience and judgment.
Quote:
“This innovative technology was introduced to public hospitals in Hong Kong in October 2023, offering local patients access to cutting-edge treatment options. The technology empowers surgeons to deliver the best possible outcomes for their patients when performing complex spinal procedures.”
- Dr. Kenny Kwan Yat-hong, Clinical Associate Professor and Chief of Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, HKUMed.
Dr. Kwan further noted that this revolutionary approach is transformative for local patients with scoliosis or other spinal issues, enhancing the accuracy and safety of instrumentation during spinal surgery, reducing revision surgery rates, increasing operating efficiency, minimizing post-operative complications, and shortening hospital stays. He anticipates further applications of robotic systems in spinal surgery, leading to shorter operation times and reduced waiting lists.
Professor Jason Cheung Pui-yin, Chairperson of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, HKUMed, highlighted that the introduction of this novel technology in public hospitals marks a significant milestone in advancing spinal surgery in Hong Kong. Reflecting on overseas evidence and experience demonstrating the benefits of robot-assisted spine surgery, he stated, “The enhanced precision and predictability of robot-assisted spine surgery mean that we can provide our patients with safer, more effective treatments, leading to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. We are truly excited about the transformative potential of this advanced spine robotic system and the doors it opens for our team to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world-class treatment of spinal disorders.”
Source: University of Hong Kong
- : public
