A spinal operation is often a complex and scary procedure. As you can imagine, patients want their spinal surgery to be as accurate, safe and successful as possible. Robotic assisted spine surgery brings a promising new technology that provides patients with substantial benefits over traditional freehand surgical procedures. Charla R. Fischer, MD at NYU Langone Medical Center offers this revolutionary approach to spinal surgery for patients in New York City.
What is the previous spinal surgery?
In the past, surgeons had to rely on their training and experience to perform difficult spinal surgeries freehand, simply using their best judgement to feel their way through the procedure. Also, numerous X-rays were usually taken during surgery to help guide the surgeon, exposing both the patient and doctor to significant levels of potentially harmful radiation. Although surgeons do their best for optimum accuracy, the risk exists of making an error during the procedure, such as placing screws in the incorrect place in the spinal bones.
What is robotic spine surgery?
The goal of robotic spine surgery is to provide a much higher level of accuracy to the procedure, significantly lowering the risk of errors like screw misplacement. The surgeon places the screws by hand and remains in control of the procedure, but the robot uses a computerized plan to guide the surgeon throughout the process. The degree of accuracy is improved to only 1millimeter, a more precise measurement than freehand surgery achieves.
What types of spine surgery can be done using robotics?
Surgeons can perform many types of spinal surgery using robotic methods, from simple to very complex procedures. These may include open or MIS surgeries, fusions, screw placement, osteotomies, biopsies, scoliosis corrections, and more.
What are the benefits of robotic spine surgery?
This technology reduces radiation exposure, lowers complications, lessens recovery time, and reduces pain following surgery. Accuracy is improved to a rate of more than 98% correct screw placement around the spinal cord and nerves using robotic methods. The surgery is also faster, requiring less time for the patient under anesthesia and less blood loss.
Robotic assisted spine surgery is revolutionizing the spine industry, boosting accuracy and reducing complications. These highly precise, state-of-the-art spinal procedures allow patients to resume their normal activities sooner and return to their lives without pain or impairment. Contact Charla R. Fischer, MD today to learn more about robotic assisted spine surgery.