Image-Guided Robotic Systems for Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic procedures often require surgeons to work within complex anatomy and position instruments or implants with a high degree of precision. Bone quality, structural defects, and differences among patients can make this especially challenging.

Through a series of NIH-funded projects, including an R01 award, our researchers are developing image-guided robotic intervention systems for orthopedic surgery. These systems combine medical images with sensors, specialized surgical devices, extended-reality visualization, and biomechanical analysis—the study of how forces affect bones, implants, and surrounding tissues.

The research explores how these technologies can help surgeons plan and perform procedures while receiving updated information about anatomy and instrument position. Applications include strengthening an osteoporotic hip, treating areas of missing or damaged bone, and supporting spinal fusion.

The goal is to improve surgical precision and provide patient-specific guidance while preserving surgeon oversight. Current research focuses on integrating the technologies, evaluating their accuracy and safety, and determining where robotic assistance can provide meaningful advantages over existing approaches.