Robotic Spine Surgery

Robotic Spine Surgery in New Jersey

Robotic Spine Surgery in New Jersey

Call the office of Dr. Grigory Goldberg to find out whether you’re a suitable candidate for robotic spine surgery today!

Your spine is a complex network of nerves, vertebrae, and discs. Even seemingly minor damage can have serious consequences, including pain and paralysis. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 17,000 people develop spinal cord injuries annually in the United States, largely due to motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries. 

Spinal conditions can be difficult to treat as they require an experienced surgeon to correctly place screws, bone grafts, or implants in the patient’s spine. Even a small misplacement can result in severe pain, restricted mobility, and negative quality of life changes for the patient. Robotic-assisted surgery aims to improve patient outcomes by enabling surgeons to operate precisely.

As an experienced spine surgeon in NJ, Dr. Grigory Goldberg uses the latest robotic technology to ensure patients get the best possible outcome from their spinal procedure. If you have a spinal issue that may need surgery, contact our office or visit us online to book your consultation today. 

What Is Robotic Spine Surgery?

Robotic spinal surgery is a state-of-the-art medical technology that assists surgeons during complicated surgical procedures. The initial stage of the surgery involves taking detailed CT scans of the spine, which are more accurate than traditional X-rays. 

The technology then combines the scans with information such as bone density and intended surgical outcomes to help the surgeon create a treatment plan. This gives the surgeon a clear visualization of the process and a template for the robot’s guidance system to use during the operation.

Robotic spine surgery does not replace the expertise of a skilled surgeon. Instead, it provides guidance, resulting in higher accuracyimproved clinical outcomes, and decreased recovery times for patients with spinal conditions. 

Conditions Treatable by Robotic Spine Surgery

Robotic surgery can improve the outcomes of many spinal surgical procedures, and spine surgeons use it to treat:

  • Scoliosis
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal fusion
  • Spinal stenosis 
  • Vertebral fractures
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal decompression
  • Osteoarthritis

Benefits of Robotic Spine Surgery

Robotic spine surgery is a relatively new technology, but initial research already shows many benefits for patients and surgeons. According to a study of the first 54 patients who underwent robotic spine surgery, the surgeons placed screws in the correct position with 98.3% accuracy, and there were no reported adverse events, post-surgery complications, or returns for misplaced screws. 

Not only is the surgery more likely to be successful, but having a comprehensive surgical plan containing a detailed CT scan makes the surgical procedure less invasive than traditional spinal operations. This reduced invasiveness offers benefits, including the following: 

  • Lowered risk of post-surgery complications
  • Reduced exposure to X-rays for patients and staff
  • Lower operative time due to increased accuracy and fewer misplacements
  • Faster recovery time
  • Less physical trauma
  • Reduced scarring and less post-surgical care
  • Lower risk of infection

Types of Robotic Spine Surgery

Since robotic spine surgery is still a relatively new field, surgeons are still testing which surgeries benefit the most from robotic guidance. As the technology develops, it’s likely that the range of robotic spine surgeries will continue to grow. 

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a common treatment for chronic lower back pain, broken vertebrae, and spinal deformities or weaknesses. It involves using grafts to fuse one or more vertebrae, creating a solid, single bone. 

Traditional spinal fusion surgery requires a large incision to reveal the vertebrae, which results in a long post-operative recovery time and the potential for damage to surrounding bones and tissue. Robotic spinal surgery reduces the need for a large incision, lowering the risks associated with the surgery. 

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a procedure that stabilizes spinal compression fractures by injecting synthetic bone cement into the fractured bone. It’s a minimally invasive procedure, but even experienced surgeons struggle with accurate needle placement. Robotic guidance improves the surgeon’s accuracy, reducing the risk of injecting the bone cement into the wrong place. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Robotic Spine Surgery?

Most doctors recommend conservative methods for treating back pain and other spinal conditions, such as physiotherapy or medication, before proceeding with surgery. These treatments are effective at treating most mild and moderate spinal conditions without the risks associated with spinal surgery.

If these treatments do not improve your condition, your primary care physician or physiotherapist will note that traditional therapies aren’t working and refer you to a spine surgeon like Dr. Grigory Goldberg, who will determine whether robotic spine surgery or another minimally invasive procedure is the way to proceed. 

Robotic Spine Surgeon Near Me: Dr. Grigory Goldberg

Robotic Spine Surgeon Near Me: Dr. Grigory Goldberg

Robotic spine surgery can improve the outcomes of many spinal procedures, such as spine disc replacement, spinal fusion, and vertebroplasty. 

If you suffer from chronic back pain or have sustained a serious spinal injury, you may need the expertise of a qualified spine specialist. Dr. Grigory Goldberg is a qualified spine surgeon in New Jersey who values the impact technology has on surgical procedures. Contact our clinic today to discover if you are a suitable candidate for robotic spine surgery.

We accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection), and in an emergency, same-day appointments may be available.

Why Choose Robotic Spine Surgery? Expert Insights

Are you dealing with a serious spine issue like a herniated disc or osteoarthritis? You could benefit from the minimally invasive robotic spine surgery procedure.

What is robotic spine surgery? It’s a more accurate and safe way to perform spinal procedures. It does not replace the need for imaging tests (X-ray, MRI, CT scan) for diagnostic purposes. It also won’t eliminate the need for physical therapy and other recovery practices like muscle relaxers.

As a trusted spine specialist in New Jersey, Dr. Grigory Goldberg offers the procedure for qualified candidates. Learn more about whether you could benefit from this safe and effective operation.

What Causes the Conditions Treated By the Best Robotic Spine Surgeon in NJ?

According to The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, 30 million people undergo spinal surgery or cervical spine and neck pain every year in the United States. Spine surgery can help manage a host of conditions, but what lifestyle habits and events could cause you to see the best robotic spine surgeon in NJ? 

Many conditions develop according to factors beyond your control, like genetics and general wear and tear on your bones. However, you can reduce your risk factors with habits like good posture, regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and quitting smoking.

Why Choose Spine Surgery Using Robotics?

What are the benefits of robotic spine surgery when performed by a qualified doctor?

Improved Planning

When paired with imaging tests, the tools involved in robotic spine surgery can create a more detailed surgical plan than traditional approaches. Improved planning often yields superior surgical results.

Increased Accuracy

The spine is a very fragile part of your body and spinal surgeons must use a high level of accuracy to avoid unintended damage. Because the robotic technique utilizes software guidance, it can ensure accuracy down to a fraction of a millimeter.

Faster Procedure

Because it requires less cutting and offers higher accuracy, robotics significantly reduces the operation time. This means you greatly reduce your vulnerability to complications.

Less Rehabilitation and Recovery

As a minimally invasive procedure, spine surgery with robotics significantly reduces recovery time. Some patients can even qualify for an outpatient procedure where they go home the same day.

Risk Factors Associated With Robotic Spine Surgery

According to NYU Langone Medical Center Hospital for Joint Diseases New York, only .13% of all spinal surgeries resulted in fatal complications, making it an extremely safe procedure. Males over the age of 75 had the highest risk of complications.

However, many patients experience minor, temporary side effects, such as:

  • Muscle stiffness
  • Infection at the surgical site
  • Excess bleeding
  • Pain around the incision location
  • Complications or allergic reactions to the anesthesia

Most complications do not require medical intervention and should resolve within a week. If you’re concerned about your post-operative symptoms, reach out to your doctor for advice.

What To Expect From the Spine Surgery Process

What happens before, during, and after robotic spine surgery?

Preparing for the Surgery

When you inquire about the surgical procedure, your doctor will give you a physical, ask about your symptoms and medical history, and confirm you’re a good candidate for the operation. They’ll likely ask you to stop taking NSAIDs a few days before the operation and avoid eating at least six hours beforehand.

If you qualify for an outpatient procedure, you should arrange for a person to drive you home. Many patients also have more peace of mind if they find a person to stay with them the night after the operation.

During the Procedure

What happens during the procedure partially depends on the type of spinal surgery you receive. However, in general, you can expect the following:

  • You’ll undergo general anesthesia.
  • The surgeon will make several small incisions at the surgical site.
  • The doctor positions the robotic arm over the location.
  • The surgeon controls the robotic arm, using its camera for guidance and its surgical tools to complete the operative procedure.
  • During the operation, the surgical arm provides detailed insights and real-time updates. This allows the surgeon to make minute corrections that improve your outcomes.
  • The surgeon stitches up the incisions and moves you to a recovery room.

Most procedures take two to three hours to complete. Most patients recover from the anesthesia within an hour, at which point they can go home.

Post-Operative Recovery

Most people do not require an extensive recovery period. You’ll likely use over-the-counter pain medications for a few days while you heal. Some patients may require intravenous pain medication immediately after the surgery.

For two weeks, you should monitor the site for signs of infection and clean it daily. Your doctor will encourage you to begin walking as soon as possible and may refer you to a physical therapist for faster recovery. Many patients can return to light work after two weeks or labor-intensive work after 12 weeks.

Schedule Spine Surgery From the Best Robotic Spine Surgeon in NJ

Are you a good candidate for robotic spine surgery? As one of the most reputable spine surgeons and accident recovery specialists in New  Jersey, Dr. Grigory Goldberg can help. You’ll appreciate his expertise and calming bedside manner.

We accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To book a consultation, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about the robotic method of spine surgery? Here are the answers to the topic’s most common questions.

Is Robotic Spine Surgery Safe?

Robotic spine surgery is safer than traditional spinal surgery procedures, but it doesn’t completely remove the risk of spinal surgery. Your spine surgeon will outline the procedure and risks associated with your procedure during your consultation, helping you make an informed decision about your surgery. 

What is the Approximate Recovery Time for Robotic Spine Surgery?

The approximate recovery time for robotic spine surgery depends on the procedure you undergo. Studies show that robotic spine surgery tends to have a shorter recovery time than non-assisted surgery.

What is the Success Rate of Robotic Spine Surgery?

The success rate of robotic spine surgery is higher than traditional surgery, thanks to higher accuracy rates and decreased operating times. The success rate of robotic-assisted surgery varies but is generally above 80%, according to research published in Robotic Surgery: Research and Reviews

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

The surgery itself usually only takes a couple of hours. If you’re having an in-patient procedure, you may spend between one and four days in the hospital for recovery.

How Effective Is Robotic Spine Surgery?

Robotic spine surgery is up to 94.4% effective, according to one study by Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.

Who Isn't a Candidate for Robotic Spine Surgery?

You are not a good candidate for robotic spine surgery if you meet any of the following conditions:

  • Senior citizens
  • A BMI that qualifies as obese
  • Taking certain medications like blood thinners
  • Smokers
  • People with scarring from previous procedures

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