Recent Advancements in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Navigation, Robotics, and Augmented Reality

Advancements in computer-assisted navigation, robotics, and augmented reality (AR) are transforming orthopaedic surgery by enhancing precision, safety, and effectiveness. This systematic review summarizes 39 peer-reviewed publications from 2015 to 2025 that utilized next-generation surgical systems to perform total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), spinal procedures, trauma fixation, and oncologic resections. The methodological quality of included manuscripts was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS), allowing quantitative evaluation of study rigor and risk of bias. It was found that the use of navigation, robotic systems, and AR in the operating room has resulted in improved implant accuracy and precision. When reported, long-term clinical outcomes still show nominal differences compared to conventional surgical approaches, although short-term improvements such as pain relief and recovery timelines have been demonstrated in select cases. MINORS scoring revealed relatively high methodological quality across platform technologies. Despite promising results, substantial challenges need to be met prior to more widespread adoption, including lowering economic costs, shortening learning curves, and improving integration into clinical workflows.