The promotion of “robotics” for total joint procedures has persisted for over 15 years under the guise of improving short and long-term outcomes.
However, there is no evidence to support these claims of patient improvement. So why is there such fervent promotion? The public’s misconception of the technology allows its application as a powerful marketing tool for surgeons and a lucrative profit center for manufacturers, given the multimillion-dollar cost of these machines. The marketing hype makes unsubstantiated claims.
In my opinion, precise and customized surgery performed in real-time, considering the unique dimensions of each joint and the constraints of surrounding soft tissues, leads to more functional and durable outcomes and this is why I don’t use a robot. The ability to make precise bone cuts is the simpler aspect. The challenge lies in understanding how and when to modify the procedure to accommodate the individual anatomy of each joint. Cutting arms, in this case, only serve as obstructions, blocking the surgeon’s line of sight. As of now, the “robot” remains idle in the corner of my operating room.
I have no quarrel with surgeons who prefer it but it adds no value for my patients. This type of surgery relies as much on art as it does on science.
Dr. Dev Padia
Specialist Orthopaedic Pain Doctor, Fractures, Ligaments Injury Surgeon and Expert Knee Replacement Surgeon, Surat.