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Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine in an S-shaped. Signs include a visible curve in the spine, one shoulder or hip being more prominent than the other, clothes not hanging properly and back pain.
The device is able to drill holes – part of the operation to straighten spines – within 0.1mm of accuracy, better than ever recorded for humans. Researchers hope to develop the technology further using augmented reality, to allow surgeons to watch what the robot is doing live on a screen. Scoliosis affects one in around 250 children, according to statistics.
In spine-straightening operations, holes are drilled into the each vertebrae. Screws are then attached and a flexible rod passes through. The rod is secured by a screw at the top and bottom of the spine. When the rod is pulled tight, it straightens the spine.While on the operating table, the datum robot is secured to the individual vertebrae being operated on with a plate that slips over like a glove.
Using a CT scan of the patient’s spine, a 3D scan is printed, so that plates can be made for each individual vertebrae.
The datum tool is designed to sense the minor natural movement of the patient, for example if the patient needs to be moved slightly or was moved by accident.
The goal is to be able to read the patients’ breathing movements.
It relays this data to the tooling robot, so it can adjust its drilling path accordingly. With better insight into the patients’ movements, the tooling robot can ensure it drills in the most accurate spot.
Once this process is done, the tooling arm would then use a screwdriver to insert the screws. All operations rely on the knowledge and skill of the surgeon. But robots are very accurate.
‘As long as all the safety protocols are in place, there will be accuracy. We hope to incorporate surgeons into the experience using artificial intelligence.’The team are exploring the use of augmented reality to provide surgeons with live visual feedback to illustrate the depth of each hole as it is drilled.
‘It is paramount that spinal procedures are carried out with total accuracy in order to minimise what can be substantial risks to a patient,’ said Professor Bronek Boszczyk, head of spinal surgery at Benedictus Krankenhaus Tutzing, Germany, who worked with Professor Breedon.
This technology has the potential to minimise those risks by performing a key part of the operation with accuracy which cannot be achieved by a human hand. It’s a brilliant example of how robotics can enhance and improve the way in which intrusive operations are carried out, improving patient safety and ensuring efficiency of process.’
Some risks that spinal surgery carries are bleeding, wound infection, damage to the nerves or spine and the rods or metalwork failing to attach properly.
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve in an ‘S’ shape, from side to side, and kyphosis causes abnormal rounding of the upper back.
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