Accuracy and feasibility of robot-assisted implant surgery in edentulous patients: A retrospective case series.
Robot-assisted implant surgery in edentulous patients showed high accuracy and a 100% implant survival rate, but further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the vip (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the accuracy of robot-assisted implant placement in edentulous jaws, assessing primary stability, operative time, and short-term clinical outcomes. Fifteen patients underwent the procedure, receiving a total of 128 implants. The findings indicated high accuracy and favorable outcomes, but further research is needed.
Abstract
<h4>Objectives</h4>To evaluate the accuracy of robot-assisted implant placement in edentulous jaws and to assess primary stability, operative time, and short-term clinical outcomes.<h4>Methods</h4>This retrospective study included edentulous patients who underwent robot-assisted implant surgery using a robotic arm integrated with dynamic navigation. Implant deviations were measured by superimposing pre- and postoperative CBCT images. Primary stability, operative time, and follow-up clinical outcomes were recorded.<h4>Result</h4>Fifteen patients with 23 edentulous jaws (10 maxillae and 13 mandibles) received 128 implants. Mean linear deviations were 0.71 ± 0.23 mm at the implant neck and 0.74 ± 0.24 mm at the apex, with a mean angular deviation of 1.16 ± 0.73°. Mean insertion torque was 41.79 ± 22.55 N · cm and was significantly lower in the maxilla than in the mandible (p = 0.0003). Mean operative time was 88.10 ± 21.62 min per jaw. During follow-up, the implant survival rate was 100%, with successful osseointegration of all surviving implants.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Within the limitations of this retrospective study, robot-assisted implant surgery demonstrated high implant placement accuracy and favorable primary stability in edentulous jaws, with satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes. Prospective randomized controlled trial is required to confirm these findings.<h4>Clinical significance</h4>Integration of robotic arm with dynamic navigation system enables high accuracy and favorable primary stability in edentulous jaws, supporting its clinical feasibility for full-arch rehabilitations while maintaining acceptable surgical time efficiency.
Background
This paper addresses the clinical question of the accuracy and feasibility of robot-assisted implant surgery in edentulous patients. Previous studies have suggested that robotic assistance may enhance precision in implant placement, but empirical data on its effectiveness in clinical settings is limited. This study aims to fill that gap by evaluating both the accuracy of implant placement and the associated clinical outcomes.
Methods
This retrospective case series included 15 edentulous patients who underwent robot-assisted implant surgery using a robotic arm integrated with dynamic navigation. A total of 128 implants were placed in 23 edentulous jaws (10 maxillae and 13 mandibles). The primary outcome measures included mean linear and angular deviations, insertion torque, operative time, and implant survival rate.
Results
The primary endpoint showed mean linear deviations of 0.71 ± 0.23 mm at the implant neck and 0.74 ± 0.24 mm at the apex. The mean angular deviation was 1.16 ± 0.73°. The mean insertion torque was 41.79 ± 22.55 N · cm, with a significant difference noted between maxilla and mandible (p = 0.0003). The mean operative time was 88.10 ± 21.62 min per jaw, and the implant survival rate was 100%.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that robot-assisted implant surgery can achieve high accuracy and favorable primary stability, which aligns with previous literature indicating the potential benefits of robotic assistance. However, the effect sizes, while statistically significant, may not be clinically meaningful given the small sample size and retrospective nature of the study. Additionally, the lack of a control group limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the superiority of this technique over traditional methods.
Key findings
- Mean linear deviations were 0.71 ± 0.23 mm at the implant neck and 0.74 ± 0.24 mm at the apex.
- Mean angular deviation was 1.16 ± 0.73°.
- Mean insertion torque was 41.79 ± 22.55 N · cm, significantly lower in the maxilla than in the mandible (p = 0.0003).
- Mean operative time was 88.10 ± 21.62 min per jaw.
- The implant survival rate was 100%, with successful osseointegration of all surviving implants.
Limitations
- Retrospective study design.
- Small sample size of n=15.
- No control group for comparison.
- Short follow-up period.
- Potential selection bias.