By Brandon Howard
Robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery is an issue that elicits varying responses amongst healthcare professionals and orthopedic surgeons around the country. Here, three orthopedic surgeons discuss the use of robotics and computers in surgery.
Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting orthopedics. We invite all orthopedic surgeons and specialist responses.Next week’s question: Do you utilize mobile health applications? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not? 
Also, feel free to continue to send in responses to today’s question.
Please send responses to Brandon Howard at bhoward@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, April 29, at 5 p.m. CST.
Question: Do you feel the use of robotics and computers in the operating room is the future of orthopedic surgery? What are the benefits if you use them? And if not, why not?
Lance J. Wrobel, MD, St. Joseph Health Mission Hospital, Laguna Woods, Calif: Robotics are too expensive and [have a] huge learning curve with longer surgery times.