J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2025 Sep-Dec;33(3):10225536251392628. doi: 10.1177/10225536251392628. Epub 2025 Oct 29.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveThe feasibility of placing longer, larger diameter double-threaded screws into the pedicle for good fixation in osteoporotic patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis was investigated via robot-assisted optimal access planning.MethodA total of 80 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis needed posterior incision decompression and bone grafting combined with pedicle screw fixation due to spondylolisthesis. The patients were equally and randomly assigned to a robot-assisted group and a bone cement-strengthened group. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative radiation dose were recorded. X-ray and CT scans were routinely reviewed after the surgery. The ratio of screw diameter to pedicle width (SD/PW) was calculated. The pedicle position was graded. The Bub score assessed proximal facet joint invasion. Visual analogue pain scale (VAS) was recorded before surgery and 3 days after surgery. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and health Survey Summary Form (SF-36 to assess patients’ quality of life) were performed before surgery and 6 months after surgery. The rate of screw loosening, removal, complications and revision were evaluated by X-ray and CT 12 months after operation.ResultsVAS score on day 3 after surgery was significantly better in the robot-assisted group than in the bone cement-strengthened group. (p = 0.027). The operative time and intraoperative radiation dose of the robot-assisted group were lower than those of the bone cement-strengthened group (p < 0.001). The ratios of screw length, screw diameter, and SD/PW in both groups were significantly better in the robot-assisted group than in the bone cement-strengthened group (p < 0.001). The incidence of screw small joint invasion was 10.2% in the robot-assisted group and 19.1% in the bone cement-strengthened group, with a statistically significant difference between the two (p = 0.020). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Health Survey Summary Form (SF-36) at 6 months after surgery were significantly improved in both groups.ConclusionPatients with osteoporotic lumbar spondylolisthesis who use robot assistance to implant longer, thicker-diameter double-threaded screws achieved a similar fixation effect as those of bone cement-reinforced screws. Meanwhile, the operation time was shorter, the radiation damage was less, and the difficulty of later revision surgery was reduced. Thus, the proposed surgical protocol can be applied as a new option for patients with osteoporotic lumbar spondylolisthesis.
PMID:41160758 | DOI:10.1177/10225536251392628
