The impact of robotic surgery on reducing radiation exposure in orthopedic trauma: a meta-analysis

Radiation time is a critical metric influencing safety for both healthcare providers and patients during minimally invasive orthopedic trauma surgeries. This meta-analysis aimed to compare total radiation time between robotic guidance and manual fluoroscopy, while also compiling global statistics on operative radiation exposure, associated health risks, and compliance with protective measures. Relevant comparative studies were identified through comprehensive searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, ClinicalKey, and Embase. Ten studies, encompassing 675 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Data on treatment groups, procedure success rates, robotic systems used, and other pertinent variables were systematically extracted and reviewed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects model in SPSS was applied to analyze total radiation time. Results revealed a significantly shorter radiation time with robotic guidance, supported by a robust effect size, fragility index, and fragility quotient. These findings suggest that robotic systems may offer significant safety advantages. Future research should explore the broader implementation of robotic guidance and its implications for patient and provider safety across various surgical fields.