It’s ‘trust, but verify’ for new AI spine surgery system – San Diego Union-Tribune
It’s ‘trust, but verify’ for new AI spine surgery system – San Diego Union-Tribune
Publish Date: 2026-05-10 08:01:00
Source Domain: www.sandiegouniontribune.com
- Dr. Joseph Osorio is the first neurosurgeon on the West Coast to use Medtronic’s Stealth AXiS surgical robotic system, employing AI for planning screw placements during spinal fusion surgery for degenerative scoliosis.
- AI software analyzes a CT scan to determine the optimal screw placement and path, assisting even experienced surgeons despite their capability to plan such procedures manually.
- The AI system is particularly useful in cases where a pre-surgical CT scan isn’t covered by health insurance, offering guidance based on images taken during surgery.
- Medtronic’s new system advances from the previous Mazor system, employing AI to improve imaging, planning, navigation, and precision in spine surgeries.
- ECRI, an organization focused on improving healthcare safety, notes that AI can enhance surgical consistency and tailoring procedures to a patient’s anatomy but highlights the need for oversight to avoid potential risks like automation bias.
- The system includes checks to ensure AI recommendations meet high standards and requires surgeon validation of every step, even aiding with complex anatomy deviations or mid-surgery adjustments for patient movement.
- Surgeons use anatomical landmarks to verify robotic arm placement accuracy during the procedure.
- AI integration in robotic surgery is a growing trend seen in knee and hip replacements, urologic procedures, and general surgery.
