Orthopaedic surgical robots revolutionise patient care and recovery

As the demand for orthopaedic surgery continues due to deformities, joint fractures, musculoskeletal traumas and bone infections, the global orthopaedic surgical robotics market is also growing rapidly. The market for robotic surgery reached US$4.4 billion in 2022 and the sector is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.0 per cent from 2023 to 2030. North America is estimated to contribute significantly to global market growth, driven by high adoption rates of orthopaedic surgical robots and an increase in surgical procedures.

Growth depends on numerous factors such as the limitations of conventional surgeries, the adoption of robotic surgical platforms, changes in regulatory scenarios and technological developments. Factors including sports-related injuries and tech advancements are also contributing to market growth.

Key players operating in the surgical robotics market include Medtronic, Stryker, Zimmer Biomet and Johnson & Johnson, focusing on various aspects of orthopaedic robotics. The industry is becoming highly competitive, with new players entering the market and mergers shaping its future. As this technology continues to evolve, the potential applications and implications for healthcare are extensive. The growing prevalence of bone degenerative diseases and the rising number of hip and knee replacement surgeries due to the increasing cases of arthritis and osteoporosis are other major factors anticipated to fuel the market growth.

Monogram Orthopedics, a surgical robotics developer, is collaborating with Real-Time Innovations (RTI) to implement RTI's Connext Anywhere platform for telesurgery communications. The software ensures high-fidelity, low-latency, and secure communication over mobile and wide-area networks, making remote surgery feasible. Monogram Orthopedics achieved the world's first fully remote, robotically-assisted total knee arthroplasty, showcasing their advanced robotic technology.

Another key development with remote surgical assistance platforms is to enable experienced surgeons to provide guidance and support to less-experienced surgeons or those in less privileged areas. An experienced surgeon can use real-time audio and video communication to see and hear what is happening in the operating room. Some platforms allow an experienced surgeon to provide step-by-step instructions to another surgeon in the operating room. This can be especially useful when both of the surgeon's hands are occupied. Remote assistance eliminates the need for experienced surgeons to travel, extremely beneficial in remote areas where access to surgical expertise is limited. Technology can be used to bridge geographical and experiential gaps, ensuring that patients in underserved areas receive high-quality surgical care. Less-experienced surgeons have the guidance they need to perform complex procedures successfully, a specialist can even perform the surgery while in another city or country.

Surgeons can also consult with experts to address sudden complications or challenges during surgery, ensuring timely decision-making. In emergencies, the remote expert can guide the on-site surgeon through life-saving procedures, increasing the chances of successful outcomes. These platforms also serve as valuable tools for training and educating the next generation of surgeons. Less-experienced surgeons can learn from experts in real-world surgical scenarios.