A Novel Robotic System for Veterinary Orthopaedic Surgery

Introduction: Robotics is established in human medical practice, but a commercially viable option is not available on the veterinary market. We aim to prove the feasibility of a lower-cost veterinary robotic system by trialling it on the placement of a transcondylar screw in model humeri compared with the proven technology of a 3D printed patient-specific guide (PSG).

Materials and Methods: Thirty-two identical humeri were printed using a PLA wood mix material and were either drilled using a 3D printed PSG or our robot mechanism. A 2.5 mm drill hole was placed medial to lateral and the trajectories of the drill holes were compared using postoperative CT data. Absolute entry and exit error and screw angulation compared with planned were measured and differences were evaluated by use of students t-test (p < 0.05).

Results: All models drilled in this study were deemed to have “safe” TCS placement, no significant difference in exit error was detected between the groups and the robot mechanism showed a better overall trajectory despite a worse error on entry.

Discussion/Conclusion: No real difference existed between the groups, PSGs offer greater accuracy and consistency of entry position however not to overall outcome. PSGs have important downsides such as the required increased exposure and removal of soft tissue structures compared with the use of a minimally invasive robotic system. This study shows potential clinical benefits to the use of Robotics in veterinary practice, however, more work is required to determine the efficacy of this system in real patients.

Acknowledgment

Two intramural grants were awarded to fund the work in this study.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025