A team of researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has performed the city’s first robot-assisted pelvic fracture surgery, marking a potential advancement in trauma care for a condition that is increasingly prevalent among the elderly population. The procedure, conducted at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin, incorporates a novel orthopedic robotic system designed to offer a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.
Dr. Ronald Wong Man-yeung, clinical associate professor in CUHK’s department of orthopaedics and traumatology, described the system as providing “safe, precise, and minimally invasive” treatment for pelvic fractures. He highlighted the significance of this technology for geriatric patients, who often face higher surgical risks due to multiple coexisting medical conditions.
Pelvic fracture surgery is widely regarded as among the most complex operations in orthopaedic trauma, partly due to the pelvis’s dense network of blood vessels and proximity to vital organs. Traditional open surgery for this injury can involve substantial blood loss and carries a risk of complications. In contrast, the robotic system uses real-time 3D imaging combined with robotic arms to realign and fix the fracture with minimal surgical trauma. Dr. Wong noted that, in their initial cases, blood loss during procedures was reduced dramatically—from as much as one liter in conventional surgery to approximately 10 to 20 milliliters using the robotic system.
Pelvic fractures represent a serious health concern in Hong Kong, where about 2,000 cases are reported annually, comprising roughly 7 percent of all osteoporotic fractures in the city. The injury is particularly dangerous for elderly patients, with a global one-year mortality rate estimated at up to 15 percent.
The robot-assisted system was developed in collaboration with Beijing Jishuitan Hospital’s National Orthopaedic Medical Centre and has been applied in three surgeries at the CUHK team’s facility since June. While the technology shows promise in improving post-operative recovery, pain management, and patient mobility, limitations remain. Dr. Wong acknowledged that it is currently less effective for fractures older than two weeks or for severe bilateral pelvic injuries.
Looking ahead, the CUHK team plans to advance the technology further by integrating artificial intelligence. They have filed two provisional patents in the United States related to these developments. Efforts are also underway to expand the system’s adoption through workshops aimed at healthcare professionals.
This innovation comes amid growing demand for improved treatments driven by the city’s aging demographic and the rising incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures. The robotic-assisted procedure could represent a significant step forward in the management of complex pelvic trauma, addressing both patient safety and clinical outcomes.