Ex vivo breach detection using electrical conductivity during robotic pedicle drilling in the spine
Researchers developed a robotic drilling system with real-time electrical bioimpedance sensing to prevent bone breaches during pedicle screw placement practice on porcine vertebrae. The method successfully detected potential perforation in 100% of tests, resulting in screws graded 'A' or 'B' without cortical violation. This offers a safe, X-ray-free way to stop drilling before damage occurs.