When cervical stenosis is accompanied by instability or when decompression will require facet removal, the addition of instrumented fusion becomes necessary. This combined procedure addresses both neural compression and instability through posterior decompression and strategic placement of lateral mass or pedicle screws connected by rods. The comprehensive approach prevents post-decompression kyphosis while providing immediate stability for long-term relief.
Robotic assistance significantly enhances the safety and accuracy of this complex procedure. After prone positioning and registration, the robotic system creates a detailed map of the posterior cervical anatomy. The surgeon plans the precise extent of decompression and optimal trajectories for lateral mass or pedicle screws.
The robotic arm guides each step of the decompression, ensuring adequate removal of compressive elements. For instrumentation, the robot guides precise screw placement, which is particularly valuable for cervical pedicle screws that offer superior biomechanical properties but carry higher risks due to proximity to vertebral arteries and the spinal cord. The exceptional accuracy of robotically guided instrumentation potentially allows for safer utilisation of cervical pedicle screws in appropriate cases, providing enhanced stability with reduced complication risk compared to traditional techniques.
