Robotics

Two spine surgeons in Pueblo, Colo., have added a robotic spinal guidance system, the Mazor X, according to a Feb. 18 report from CBS affiliate KKTV.

Surgeons at Froedtert South in Pleasant Prairie, Wis., have added Globus Medical's ExcelsiusGPS spine robot. 

Think Surgical is collaborating with b-One Ortho to add its implants to the TMini total knee replacement robot.

Spine and orthopedic robots are a useful tool for surgeons but they come with a high price tag for ASCs.

Think Surgical and Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. are partnering to bolster the TMini orthopedic robotic system.

Becker's reported on five practices and hospitals adding to their spine and orthopedic robotics programs in January:

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (N.J.) added the ExcelsiusGPS robot for spine surgery, the health system said Feb. 2. 

Here are five recent developments from Stryker that Becker's has reported on since Jan. 8:

Hickory, N.C.-based Frye Regional Medical Center marked its first robot-assisted minimally invasive spine surgery, WHKY reported Jan. 30.

The development of spine robots and navigation comes with the promise of improved precision and efficiency, beneficial to the surgeon and patient. Although the worry of overreliance looms, some spine surgeons remain optimistic about the technology's advantages.