Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery conjures up a question mark in most people’s minds. Many people wonder “Is a robot operating on my spine?” The short answer is a firm NO!
Ordinarily, when a person thinks of a robot they picture a little human-like machine that might look like a person and move like a person but it is really an advanced piece of equipment intelligently programmed to perform human tasks. In this case, robotic-assisted spine surgery is performed by a highly trained physician who uses the aid of robotic technology to enhance precision during surgery. A robot supports the surgeon, not the other way around.
Our physicians, Justin Paul, MD, PhD and Abiola Atanda, MD, of the OrthoConnecticut Spine team are highly trained in minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. This advanced technology means greater accuracy during surgical procedures and improved outcomes for our patients. Minimally invasive techniques aid the surgeon’s ability to provide pinpoint precision. Other advantages of minimally invasive surgery include a lower risk of infection, faster recovery time, less scarring, and possibly less time in the hospital.
So when your surgeon mentions robotic-assisted surgery don’t automatically assume that even medicine has been taken over by machines. In truth, robots are your surgeon’s friends helping them be as skilled as possible to help you get back to doing what you love.
