What’s missing from the robotics conversation?
By Admin | April 16, 2026
Focusing on data and process improvements, payer reform and pushing the technology further are three ways that orthopedic and spine surgeons are looking at the next iteration of robotics.
The robots used for spine and orthopedic procedures are expensive and facilities are currently facing the brunt of the cost, which surgeons believe is not a sustainable practice.
These four surgeons recently connected with Becker’s to talk about some of the overlooked aspects of spine and orthopedic robotic integration and use.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is something that is missing from the current conversation about spine and/or orthopedic robotics?
Jason Brustein, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon of Resurgens Orthopaedics (Atlanta): I think one thing missing from the current conversation in robot surgery as it pertains to orthopedics is the focus on implementation of the data that we have gained. We have a much better understanding of our patients’ anatomy and the subtle manipulations that we are making to achieve our intraoperative goals. I think the power of the information in conjunction with close postoperative follow up and patient reported outcomes, will give us the tools to understand better how to perform hip and knee arthroplasty in the future. I think this is the primary focus of how we improve, not necessarily the redesign or reinvention of new implants.
Brandon Hirsch, MD. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon of DISC Sports and Spine Center (Newport Beach, Calif.): I think that the conversation around robotics and musculoskeletal surgery should focus more on payer reform. These innovations in surgical technique are...(More)
For more info please read, What’s missing from the robotics conversation, by Becker's Spine Review
