Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery

Scoliosis is a sideward curving of the spine. Often the patient’s vertebrae are twisted and abnormally small, which makes for a challenging surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery can increase the surgeon’s precision by pinpointing the locations where intervention is needed.

If nonsurgical treatments are not effective for relieving pain from a herniated disc, minimally invasive surgery may be used to treat nerve compression. Some patients benefit from a discectomy, while a fusion may be considered for others.

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the vertebral column, a common condition that can cause pain, numbness and muscle weakness. Minimally invasive treatment options may be recommended if imaging studies reveal that surgery is the best way to relieve the nerve compression.

To stabilize the fracture, relieve pain and help prevent further weakening of the spine, technology helps guide the surgeon’s tools as minimally invasive spine surgery is performed. This can result in faster recovery and smaller scars.

Spine disorders can cause vertebrae to collapse, resulting in compression fractures. Technology allows the surgeon to plan the surgery, creating a blueprint for the robot to guide the surgeon in placing the implants with great accuracy.

Traumatic fractures from stress or high-impact injuries may occur through accidents, sports or work-related activity. Minimally invasive methods can be used to place rods and screws to stabilize many forms of traumatic spine injury.

The robot helps guide the physician in implanting electrodes that help to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain that control movement. Using deep brain stimulation can be effective for Parkinson’s Disease and essential tremor.