Robotic hip arthroscopy: a cadaveric feasibility study

Objective: The aim of this study was to test if robotic surgery can be used while performing hip arthroscopy. Methods: Hip arthroscopy was performed on two hip joints of a fresh-frozen male human cadaver. The arthroscopic control of the femoral head and neck and acetabular labrum were evaluated using the da Vinci Surgical System. Results: Docking of the robotic system and manipulation of the instruments were successful. Although most regions reached in standard arthroscopy were also reached with this robotic setting, the 5-mm instrument was limited in movement due to its long articulation section. The 8-mm instrument had shorter articulation section and exhibited a full range of motion inside the joints. The posterior part of the femoral head and the posteroinferior portion of the acetabular labrum could not be observed because of the rigidity of the equipment. Conclusion: Robotic hip arthroscopy appears feasible in a cadaveric model but has some significant limitations. With the development of special instrumentations, arthroscopy of the large or small joints may be possible with robotic surgery. Robotic surgery may also enable surgeons to perform more complex and precise tasks in restricted spaces.