Robotics and AI Enhance Precision in Orthopedic Surgery, Forum Highlights

The rapid advancement of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of orthopedic surgery, offering enhanced precision and support for medical professionals. This technological evolution was a central theme at the Indonesian Hip and Knee Society (IHKS) 2026 Annual Scientific Forum, held in Yogyakarta from August 20-22.

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Although the term is robot-assisted surgery, the driver is still the surgeon. The driver and the thinking are still done by humans.

The forum brought together hundreds of orthopedic surgeons and researchers from 15 nations to share knowledge and discuss the latest developments in hip and knee disorder treatments. A key focus was the integration of technology into surgical procedures, aiming to improve outcomes and efficiency.

Dr. Rizki Rahmadian, President of IHKS, explained that robotic systems in orthopedic surgery function primarily as assistive tools for surgeons. He emphasized that robots do not replace the surgeon's role, as the human doctor retains full control and makes all critical medical decisions. "Although the term is robot-assisted surgery, the driver is still the surgeon. The driver and the thinking are still done by humans," Dr. Rizki stated.

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What we usually measure with tools, with rulers, with calipers and so on, now there is a digital robot that helps us calculate. It is usually more precise.

Robotics offers significant advantages, particularly in enhancing measurement accuracy during operations like joint replacements. Surgeons must precisely measure and fit implants, a task that digital robotic systems can perform with greater accuracy than traditional manual tools. Furthermore, robotic systems can help maintain stability during procedures, compensating for human limitations such as fatigue or tremors. "What we usually measure with tools, with rulers, with calipers and so on, now there is a digital robot that helps us calculate. It is usually more precise," he added.

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Robot in principle is as a helper so that the surgical outcome is better, more stable, and more precise.

Beyond robotics, AI is also being integrated to support various stages of medical care. Dr. Rizki sees potential for AI to assist doctors in collecting and processing data, aiding diagnosis, and predicting the outcomes of medical procedures. However, the effective use of AI in Indonesia is contingent upon the availability of accurate and comprehensive medical big data. The forum also included discussions led by Dr. Norman, President of the Indonesian Orthopaedic and Traumatology Society (IOTRS).

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Indeed, the technology has reached that point now, how artificial intelligence has developed, it is among us and we cannot deny that it is a good technology. But it still needs the human brain to filter whether that information is the right information for us to use or not.