Purpose
We compared robotic-assisted scaphoid screw fixation to conventional technique in
terms of accuracy, surgical times, radiation exposure, and clinical outcomes, including
range of motion, grip strength, functional score, and complications.
Methods
This study was a registered, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. From May 2019
to December 2019, 1 surgeon performed 18 robotic-assisted and 18 conventional scaphoid
screw fixations and these patients were eligible for participation in this study.
Surgical time, including the time of the overall procedure, set-up time, and time
for ideal guidewire placement, was recorded. The number of guidewire attempts also
was recorded. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at follow-up
with respect to the severity of pain, wrist motion, grip strength, complications,
and Mayo modified wrist score.
Results
The average set-up time and overall time of the procedure were longer in the robotic-assisted
than in the conventional groups, while the mean guidewire insertion time and the mean
guidewire attempts was less in the robotic-assisted group than that of the conventional
group. The overall radiation exposure was lower in the robotic group.
Conclusions
Robotic-assisted technique provided a useful tool to improve implantation accuracy
and shorten radiation exposure. Additional cost and prolonged duration of surgery
without evidence of improved clinical scores may limit widespread acceptance of this
technique.
Type of study/level of evidence
Therapeutic II.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 14, 2022
Accepted:
August 24,
2022
Received:
January 9,
2022
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
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