The surgical team of providers from ThedaCare and Neuroscience Group have successfully performed the first robotic-assisted spine surgeries in Northeast and Central Wisconsin using the Mazor X Platform this week.

It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of the population will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives, with one in 20 of them needing surgery. As spinal surgery has evolved, more focus has been placed on new techniques often providing benefits of less blood loss, less radiation exposure, less tissue damage, and less pain and resulting opioid use.

To enhance access to specialized care close to home, ThedaCare recently installed the new Mazor X StealthTM Edition Robotic Guidance Platform. ThedaCare, in partnership with Neuroscience Group, is one of the first in the area to offer this spine surgical technology to patients and is one of the first to adopt this technology in the United States.

The Mazor X is a guide for the surgeons hands that provides a huge advance in accurate pedicle screw placement, said Randall Johnson, MD PhD, neurosurgeon at Neuroscience Group and Spine Surgery Medical Director at ThedaCare. This technology will set the standard for the future of minimally invasive and scoliosis surgery.

The Mazor X Platform enhances surgeons limited view of patients anatomy with a 3D surgical plans and analytics. This provides comprehensive information and visualization before the surgery starts, ultimately supporting the commitment to operate with precision. According to Dr. Johnson, this means the angle, width and length of every screw, is planned from the preoperative CT scan and two x-rays during surgery. Its safer for the patient and the surgical team in terms of radiation exposure as it limits the number of necessary x-rays.

A patients health and safety are top priorities for ThedaCare, said Michael Hooker, DO, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Acute Care at ThedaCare. By bringing new technology to the area, ThedaCare is helping promote faster recovery times, reducing postoperative pain and improving results for our patients. The staff is committed to getting patients back to doing what they love most, as quickly as possible.

Due to the COVID-19 response, much like health care systems across the country, ThedaCare made necessary adjustments to operations and services. In early May, ThedaCare began reinstating services that had previously been deferred, including surgeries.

The mission is to improve the health of the communities ThedaCare serves, and that means connecting community members to the care they need, said Lynn Detterman, Senior Vice President of ThedaCare South Region. Because of the teams tireless work through the intentional phased reopening plan, multiple safeguards are in place and are in a position to begin offering essential and routine services for illness and ongoing medical care. ThedaCare is proud to welcome technology like this to enhance care options for patients.

View post:
First spine surgeries performed in the region - Waushara Argus