A robotic lumbar fusion is a cutting-edge surgery that combines the use of robotic technology with minimally invasive lumbar fusion procedures. In a robotic lumbar fusion, a surgical robot is utilized to assist Dr. Singh during the procedure. The robotic system consists of a robotic arm, specialized instruments, and a console that the surgeon operates during the procedure.

Dr. Singh uses this advanced technology with the assistance of a robot to help with the placement of screws in order to decrease risk to surrounding tissues including the spinal cord, the nerves that branch off from it, and blood vessels that run through the spinal canal. Compared to other surgical approaches, robot-assisted surgery may also eliminate the risk of radiation exposure.

A robotic lumbar fusion may be performed to treat:

• Spondylolisthesis (a spine bone that is slipped forward on the bone below)
• Scoliosis
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the space around the spinal cord or nerve)

A thorough work-up and discussion with Dr. Singh are important in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for a robotic lumbar fusion. General considerations include:

• The spinal condition and its severity
• The patient’s general health and medical history

Preoperative planning is always performed before any surgical procedure, and when Dr. Singh chooses robotic lumbar fusion, he uses the robotic technology for preoperative imaging to create a three-dimensional model of the patient’s spine, enabling him to plan the procedure with a higher level of customization. This personalized approach helps customize implant size, trajectory, and placement specific to the patient’s anatomy, leading to enhanced outcomes.

The surgical team sets up the robotic system, which includes a robotic arm, specialized instruments, and a console. Dr. Singh then operates the robotic system from the console which is placed in a sterile fashion next to the surgical field.

Dr. Singh then makes a stab skin incision and dissects through the soft tissue below to work down towards the spine carefully splitting and preserving the muscle. Dr. Singh only removes the damaged or problematic portions of the vertebrae, such as the lamina, facet joints, or intervertebral discs that have degenerated.

The robot then gives feedback to Dr. Singh about the trajectory and angles required to place the screws with the utmost care being taken to preserve all the normal stabilizing structures.