Artificial intelligence and robotics are revolutionising surgery, including orthopaedic surgery. Globally, the market size of AI-based surgical robots measured US$6.4 billion in 2022. That same year, 22% of surgical procedures in the US were carried out using robotic technology. However, when it comes to effectiveness and precision, the jury is still out. A study at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting in February 2024 ; found that patients who received robot-assisted knee replacements were as likely to need revision surgery within two years as those who received manual surgery. So is robotic-assisted surgery the future of orthopaedics, or just a costly distraction?
Experience matters
Of course, AI-driven surgery can be of value. This is particularly true if the surgeon is less experienced. But the benefit of robotics and AI is of limited value for an experienced surgeon, who already knows how to make precise cuts, radiological measurements, and balance ligaments without AI assistance. However, robotics can help less-experienced surgeon perform these actions more accurately. AI is “just a tool to make operations more accurate.”
Traditional methods
Robotic surgery remains promising, but for now, the “old fashioned” methods of manual surgery are still optimal for cost, precision, and patient recovery.
For one, utilising robotics for surgery increases its cost by around 40000 rupees more per operation and its effectiveness is unproven,
While AI can help surgeons with tasks like planning bony cuts and analysing radiological images, But we are nowhere near having robots surpass humans when it comes to surgical skill.
“Surgeons are by no means opposed to new technologies that can lead to better clinical outcomes, but robotic surgery has yet to prove it.“It is an expensive system that increases the time spent in the operating room.”Robots may offer a hand to an
In- experienced surgeon, but for now it appears there’s no substitute for human expertise in total knee replacement
Dr Ram Soni senior consultant Orthopaedic surgeon. JK Hospital. Bhopal. www.ramsoniorthosurgeon.com
