Introducing the X Factor in Spine Surgery

Hartford Hospital and Hartford HealthCare’s Bone & Joint Institute introduced new technology for robotic spine surgery this year.

The new Mazor X is a sophisticated surgical guidance system that brings unprecedented precision to surgeons and their patients who need back surgery. Hartford HealthCare is the first health-care system in the Northeast to use the technology.

Patients who have broken vertebrae, spinal instability, spinal deformities, chronic back pain or any other condition that requires back surgery with instrumentation are a candidate for this technology. It’s an incredible tool that helps spine surgeons perform these procedures better and more safely.

The Mazor X technology is currently being used for spinal-fusion procedures. Doctors will later expand its use to for the treatment of cervical spine issues as well as movement disorders including deep brain stimulation.

During spinal-fusion surgery, bone tissue, screws and plates are placed in the problem area of the spine, and the body’s natural bone growth gradually fuses the vertebrae. The procedure requires precise placement of surgical screws and implants. That’s where Mazor X comes in.

Using the Mazor X, the surgeon can develop a detailed, digital surgical plan well before the operation. Seeing the patient’s complete spine in three dimensions prior to surgery increases the efficiency of the operation because the surgeon won’t encounter anything unexpected once the procedure is underway. The robotic arm will get into perfect position, so when surgeons insert the screws, they know each one is going exactly where they planned for it to go.

Mazor X also makes spine surgery less invasive. With this technology, surgeons can access the spine through smaller incisions. Smaller incisions means patients may have an easier recovery and shorter hospital stay.