BACKGROUND: Arthroscopy of the shoulder is a well-established diagnostic procedure which has widespread application. Advances in technology and the search for more minimal invasive surgery will always offer new techniques in any surgical field. Robotic technology is such an advance, offering technical advantages over standard laparoscopic approaches. The aim of the present study is to test whether robotic surgery can be used while performing shoulder arthroscopy or not. METHODS: Robotic shoulder arthroscopy was tried on two shoulder joints of a male fresh-frozen human cadaver. The arthroscopic control of the biceps tendon, glenoid labrum, rotator cuff muscles, rotator interval, glenohumeral ligament, and the coracoid process were evaluated in beach chair and lateral decubitus positions. RESULTS: The arthroscopic control of the shoulder joint was possible for both beach chair and lateral decubitus positions. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic shoulder arthroscopy seems feasible in a cadaveric model but has some significant limitations at this time. A clinical application could be performed as diagnostic arthroscopy and as simple arthroscopic surgery until more specific instrumentation is developed. It may also enable the surgeon to perform more complex and precise tasks in restricted spaces.
BACKGROUND: Arthroscopy of the shoulder is a well-established diagnostic procedure which has widespread application. Advances in technology and the search for more minimal invasive surgery will always offer new techniques in any surgical field. Robotic technology is such an advance, offering technical advantages over standard laparoscopic approaches. The aim of the present study is to test whether robotic surgery can be used while performing shoulder arthroscopy or not. METHODS: Robotic shoulder arthroscopy was tried on two shoulder joints of a male fresh-frozen human cadaver. The arthroscopic control of the biceps tendon, glenoid labrum, rotator cuff muscles, rotator interval, glenohumeral ligament, and the coracoid process were evaluated in beach chair and lateral decubitus positions. RESULTS: The arthroscopic control of the shoulder joint was possible for both beach chair and lateral decubitus positions. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic shoulder arthroscopy seems feasible in a cadaveric model but has some significant limitations at this time. A clinical application could be performed as diagnostic arthroscopy and as simple arthroscopic surgery until more specific instrumentation is developed. It may also enable the surgeon to perform more complex and precise tasks in restricted spaces.