Rossum WanXiang Intelligent Orthopedic Surgical Robot

Developed through collaboration between Rossum Robot and Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, the WanXiang (万相) system achieved NMPA approval in December 2023 as the first surgical robot globally capable of performing closed reduction for complex pelvic fractures. The system addresses a procedure that international orthopedic experts consider among the most technically demanding in trauma surgery.

Product Overview

The WanXiang Intelligent Orthopedic Surgical Robot System tackles pelvic fracture treatment—a domain where the complex three-dimensional anatomy and high-force requirements had prevented robotic assistance until now. Traditional treatment relies on open reduction with large incisions, substantial blood loss, and elevated complication rates. The WanXiang system enables minimally invasive closed reduction, fundamentally changing the treatment paradigm for these challenging injuries.

The system received NMPA Class III medical device registration as an innovative medical device, recognizing its novel technological approach and significant clinical benefit over existing alternatives.

Key Features

For complex pelvic fracture cases, Rossum’s WanXiang provides 6-DOF robotic reduction with force-position dual feedback and real-time photoelectric 3D navigation, achieving 98%+ closed reduction success.

• Intraoperative Real-Time 3D Navigation: Photoelectric tracking system provides continuous visualization of bone fragment positions and surgical tool locations in three-dimensional space, replacing traditional 2D fluoroscopic guidance
• Robotic Fracture Reduction: Six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulation enables precise bone fragment repositioning through controlled force application—the core differentiating capability
• Force-Position Dual Feedback Control: Simultaneous monitoring of applied forces and spatial positioning allows safe, controlled manipulation of bone fragments
• Intelligent Surgical Planning: Automated trajectory calculation based on biomechanical, neurovascular, and anatomical data for optimal reduction approach
• Preoperative-Intraoperative Image Registration: Integration of preoperative CT with intraoperative CBCT enables accurate surgical planning execution

Technical Specifications

For adult pelvic fracture surgery, Rossum’s WanXiang delivers force-position dual feedback through a 6-DOF arm, integrating preoperative CT with intraoperative CBCT for accurate reduction execution.

Clinical Applications

The WanXiang system is indicated for adult pelvic fracture surgery with three primary functions:

Fracture Reduction: The system’s defining capability—robotic manipulation of bone fragments into anatomically correct alignment through closed, minimally invasive approach.

Navigation Positioning: Real-time guidance for surgical tool placement, ensuring accurate instrument positioning throughout the procedure.

Fixation Assistance: Navigation support for bone pin and screw implant placement following successful reduction.

Clinical deployment across 20+ hospitals in 14 Chinese provinces has accumulated over 300 procedures. Reported outcomes include closed reduction success rates exceeding 98% and excellent clinical outcome rates above 95%, substantially outperforming manual reduction by experienced surgeons.

Regulatory Status

The system received approval through NMPA’s innovative medical device pathway, reflecting its novel technological approach to an unmet clinical need.

Clinical Significance

Pelvic fracture closed reduction presents unique challenges that had resisted robotic solutions:

1. Complex 3D Anatomy: Pelvic structures cannot be adequately visualized through standard fluoroscopic imaging, demanding advanced spatial tracking
2. High Force Requirements: Reduction requires significant force application while maintaining precise positioning—exceeding typical human capability for simultaneous force and accuracy control
3. Safety Constraints: Critical neurovascular structures demand careful trajectory planning to avoid iatrogenic injury

The WanXiang system addresses these challenges through integrated hardware and software solutions, enabling procedures previously considered impossible without open surgical approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What advantages does WanXiang offer over traditional open reduction?

Closed reduction with the WanXiang system eliminates large surgical incisions, reducing blood loss, infection risk, and recovery time. The robotic approach also decreases radiation exposure for both patients and surgical staff compared to prolonged fluoroscopy-guided manual techniques.

Can WanXiang be used for fractures beyond the pelvis?

The current NMPA approval specifically covers adult pelvic fracture surgery. The underlying technology platform may support future applications, but any expanded indications would require separate regulatory approval.

What training is required to operate the WanXiang system?

The system integrates intelligent surgical planning to reduce operator dependency, but surgeon training on system operation and workflow integration is required. Specific training protocols are provided during installation.