Robotics

Spine surgery robots are on the rise, but they're no substitute for mastering spinal anatomy, Brian Gantwerker, MD, said at Becker's 21st Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC +The Future of Spine Conference.

From milestones to market approvals, here are six key spine and orthopedic headlines to know from the second quarter of 2024.

Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center has added the TMINI miniature robotic system for knee replacement surgery. 

Hafiz Kassam, MD, a shoulder surgeon affiliated with Irvine, Calif.-based Hoag Orthopedic Institute, has completed the first robotic-assisted reverse shoulder arthroplasty in California. 

Globus Medical has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its ExcelsiusFlex orthopedics robot, according to a June 17 website posting from the agency.

Thirteen hospitals and practices have added spine and orthopedic robots in 2024.

Becker's reported on seven robotic milestones so far in 2024.

DePuy Synthes earned FDA 510(k) clearance for the Velys robot with unicompartmental knee replacements, the devicemaker said June 7.

Brennen Smith, DO, joined Noblesville, Ind.-based RiverView Health and will launch a robotic joint replacement program with the Mako system, according to an announcement in KROX.

Surgery Center Cedar Rapids (Iowa) has added Stryker's Mako robot for total knee and hip replacements, according to a May 29 report from Iowa News Now.