Minimally invasive robot-assisted direct pars repair: illustrative cases

J Neurosurg Case Lessons. 2024 Sep 9;8(11):CASE2415. doi: 10.3171/CASE2415. Print 2024 Sep 9.

Abstract

Background: Robot-assisted techniques are increasingly integrated into the field of spine surgery, with the potential benefits of increased accuracy and reduced radiation exposure. The objective of this study was to describe the technique of minimally invasive robot-assisted direct pars repair with 2 case illustrations.

Observations: An 18-year-old male and a 42-year-old male, both with bilateral L5 spondylolysis, underwent successful minimally invasive L5 direct pars repairs with robotic assistance after conservative measures failed, and their cases are presented herein.

Lessons: A robot-assisted direct pars repair is a safe and effective technique for treating bilateral lumbar spondylolysis. The integration of robot-assisted techniques in spine surgery has the potential to improve outcomes, decrease surgical time, and reduce the amount of radiation exposure to operating room staff. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2415.

Keywords: case report; direct pars repair; pars screws; robot-assisted surgery; robotic spine surgery.