A case report of the first successful use of 3D image-guided robot-assisted reverse shoulder arthroplasty

This report describes the first successful use of 3D image-guided robot-assisted reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and validates the feasibility of this technology. The clinical data, preoperative preparation, surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes of a patient with proximal humerus fracture who underwent 3D image-guided robot-assisted RSA on May 18, 2023, at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were summarized. The patient underwent 3D image-guided robot-assisted RSA successfully. The surgery lasted for 2 h and blood loss was about 200 ml. No significant adverse events were observed during the procedure. Immediate postoperative joint range of motion was as follows: forward flexion 150°, abduction 90°, neutral rotation 50° externally and 60° internally, with no dislocation. The drainage tube was removed on the second postoperative day, and an X-ray examination confirmed the proper positioning of the prosthesis. In conclusion, we first report the successful use of 3D image-guided robot-assisted RSA, demonstrating the feasibility of this technique. However, further upgrades and enhancements to the orthopedic robot system are necessary to provide more assistance to surgeons.