For those struggling with severe back pain, every day can be a struggle to simply get up and move about the day.
But one local hospital is getting people back on their feet in less time, thanks to a new technology that's transforming spine surgery.
It's all thanks to advancement in robotics, specifically Mazor Robotics Renaissance at Foundation Surgical Hospital on Huebner Road.
Although the robot is small enough to fit in your hand, it's rapidly improving how spine surgery is done.
For example, in spinal fusion surgery, where two vertebrae are joined together to limit motion between them, the robot aids in the placement of the spinal hardware.
"By using the robot, it increases the accuracy with which we can place the spinal hardware into the spine, and therefore lowers the risk and improves the outcomes for patient," said Dr. Michael Leonard, a neurosurgeon focusing on spinal surgery at Foundation Surgical Hospital.
Before surgery, a patient obtains a CT scan of the lumbar spine. The CT scan is fed into the planning hardware of the robot, where it analyzes the data to determine where to place the hardware in the patient.
"It's precisely placed to optimize the structural integrity of the spine, to make sure we get the spine the most solid placement of the spinal hardware," said Leonard.
During back surgery, the robot is placed on the site of the incision, where it projects where the doctor should place the spinal hardware.
"Typically, you have the robot by allowing us to do this in a very precise way. (It) allows us to do it in a less invasive way," said Leonard. "Because the robot guides us, it allows us to make a smaller incision to get the same surgery."
That means a smaller scar, less pain, and a quicker recovery for surgery patients.
"Patients are taking it easy first four to six weeks, and after that slowly increasing activity with full activity usually being restored in about four or five months," said Leonard.
Another added benefit of using the robot during surgery is the customization factor.
"This gives individual plans for this single patient only. Each time a patient comes in, they obtain a pre-operative CT scan of the lumbar spine. That CT scan is fed into the computer, and off that pre-operative obtained CT scan, we're able to plan surgery, so that each patient can have their own specific, tailor-made surgical plan," said Leonard.
Leonard wants to remind patients that the robot is not for every case and patient. It's simply another tool spine surgeons can use in order to enhance the patient outcomes.
"The best thing to do is speak with a surgeon who has the capability to offer all aspects of spinal care, who can provide you with the best possible options to maximize the outcome," said Leonard.
For more information on Mazor Robotics Renaissance, visit their webpage.
Foundation Surgical Hospital is currently the only hospital in San Antonio that offers the Mazor Robotics Renaissance. Learn more about their care at their website.