Enabling technology
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery pairs detailed pre-operative planning with a rigid guidance system that holds instrument trajectories during the operation — supporting precision in select procedures.
What it is
A robotic guidance system starts with a three-dimensional plan: implant type, size, and trajectory are mapped on your imaging before surgery. In the operating room, a rigid robotic arm guides instruments along those planned trajectories with mechanical steadiness the human hand alone cannot match.
The surgeon controls every step — positioning the arm, advancing each instrument, and verifying placement. The robot guides; it does not operate independently.
How it supports precision
The system's strength is repeatability: once a trajectory is planned, the arm holds it steadily, which supports precise and consistent screw placement, especially in cases with altered anatomy from prior surgery or deformity.
Because the planning happens before the incision, the team can rehearse and refine implant positioning calmly rather than improvising under time pressure — and then confirm the result with intraoperative imaging.
Its limits
A robotic system is only as good as its plan and its registration to your anatomy. Poor-quality imaging, an inaccurate plan, or a shift during the operation can produce precisely guided — but wrong — trajectories, which is why every step is verified independently.
It is also not the right tool for every case. Decompressions, motion-preservation procedures, and cases where anatomy is best judged in real time do not benefit from rigid guidance. The surgeon decides when the technology genuinely adds value.
Initial consultation or second opinion?
Bring your imaging and your questions. Dr. Choi reviews the problem carefully and explains the options — including whether surgery is even the right next step.