Published online Nov 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i33.10134
Peer-review started: July 15, 2021
First decision: August 19, 2021
Revised: August 29, 2021
Accepted: September 16, 2021
Article in press: September 16, 2021
Published online: November 26, 2021
Processing time: 130 Days and 3.1 Hours
Every new surgical technique has a unique learning curve. The relationship between the learning curve and the outcome is an important indicator for evaluating a new surgical technique. It takes a certain process for the surgeon to be familiar with and master surgical robot technology.
In robot-assisted (RA) spine surgery, the relationship between the surgical outcome and the learning curve remains to be evaluated.
This study aimed to analyze the learning curve of RA pedicle screw fixation (PSF) through fitting the operation’s time curve.
Based on the cumulative sum of the operation time, the learning curves of the two surgeons were drawn and fit to polynomial curves. The learning curve was divided into the early and late stages according to the shape of the fitted curve. The operation time and screw accuracy were compared between the stages.
The turning point of the learning curves from Surgeons A and B appeared in the 18th and 17th cases, respectively.
After completing 17 to 18 cases of RA PSFs, surgeons can pass the learning phase of RA technology. The operation time is reduced afterward, and the screw accuracy shows a trend of improvement.
These two surgeons came from the leading orthopedic hospital in China. Whether other surgeons with less experience can obtain the same learning curve remains to be seen.