Meta-Analysis: Robot-Assisted vs. Freehand Spinal Surgeries

Figure 1. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: overall operative time (minutes)

In order to get an accurate result during analysis the “Total” will not be used based on the fact that using the total figure will lead to double accounting, and the results will not be accurate or will not present the true picture on the ground. Therefore, any data in the total column, will be considered insignificant in this analysis, and in any other analysis that has included the same column. If you find yourself needing further clarification or assistance, seeking accounting dissertation help can provide the support you require for a comprehensive understanding.

meta-analysis-robot-assisted-vs-freehand-spinal-surgeries

From the five observations above (Mean of the overall operative time in minutes) Robot assisted technique record a mean time of 173.6 minutes, while the freehand technique recorded a mean time of 157.3 minutes as shown in the table

A dummy variable was created to show the difference between mean time recorded in Robotic-Assisted technique and the Freehand technique. The dummy variable “mndiff,” was a follows

A meta-analysis examination gave the following results

Figure 2. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: Intra-operative radiation exposure (seconds).

Figure 3. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: Postoperative stay in Hospital (Days).

Figure 4. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: preoperative VAS (B)

The null hypothesis in this case is that the MeanR (mean of Robot-Assisted) is equal to MeanF (mean of Freehand) i.e. HO: MeanR=Mean F. The alternative is; HA: MeanR ≠ MeanF. In order to conduct a comparison, a dummy variable titled “MeanDiff” (MeanF - MeanR) was created and the results were as follows;

A t-test to get the statistical difference between the two variables gave the following results

mean = mean(MeanDiff) t = 1.6667

Ho: mean = 0 degrees of freedom = 1

Ha: mean < 0 Ha: mean != 0 Ha: mean > 0

Pr(T < t) = 0.8280 Pr(|T| > |t|) = 0.3440 Pr(T > t) = 0.1720

Figure 5. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: Postoperative VAS (B)

The mean difference in this case is

A T test to find the statistical difference resulted into the following results

Robot Preoperative and Robot Postoperative

In this case there was no statistical difference between the variable presented as shown in the tables below;

In the case of Robot Preoperative

Note: Robot mean preoperative-Robot mean postoperative= MeanDiff

Freehand Preoperative and Freehand Postoperative

Note: Freehand mean preoperative- Freehand mean postoperative = mm1

For figures 4 & 5; I want to know if there is statistically significant difference in:

1. Robot & free hand in the preoperative period (compare the green columns in figure 4).

2. Robot & free hand in the postoperative period (compare the green columns in figure 5).

3. Robot preoperative & robot postoperative (compare the robot column from figure 4 & 5)

4. Freehand preoperative & freehand postoperative. (compare the free hand column in figure 4&5)

Figure 6. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: preoperative VAS (L)

Figure 7. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: post-operative VAS (L)

Robot preoperative & robot postoperative

Freehand preoperative & freehand postoperative

For figures 6 & 7; I want to know if there is statistically significant difference in:

5. Robot & free hand in the preoperative period (compare the green columns in figure 6).

6. Robot & free hand in the postoperative period (compare the green columns in figure 7).

7. Robot preoperative & robot postoperative (compare the robot column from figure 6 & 7)

8. Freehand preoperative & freehand postoperative. (compare the free hand column in figure 6&7).

Figure 8. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: Screw position according to Grade (A+B) criteria

Figure 9. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: Screw position according to Grade (C+D+E) criteria

Figure 10. Forest plot of robot-assisted versus conventional freehand technique: revision surgeries.

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