Virtua Health has introduced a new robotic-assisted spine surgery system in the Philadelphia and South Jersey region, becoming the first provider in the area to use this technology. The system combines robotics with a navigation software called Spine Guidance by Stryker, which allows surgeons to create “safe zones” during procedures. These zones help prevent surgical tools from entering certain areas, reducing the risk of injury to surrounding structures.
“It’s the only software on the market that allows us to set up safe zones, which enables us to relieve pressure on compressed nerves more safely and efficiently,” said Dr. James Sanfilippo, vice president of clinical operations for musculoskeletal services at Virtua Health.
Robotic-assisted spine surgery is not yet widely available across the country. Virtua Health is among the first hospitals nationwide to offer these procedures. The health system has over 20 years of experience with robotic surgeries, including hip and knee replacements.
“Our decades of experience performing other types of robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery have positioned us to readily embrace new forms of the technology as they’re introduced,” said Dr. Sanfilippo, who also serves as a spine surgeon with Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics. “We work closely with robotic-device manufacturers, in this case Stryker, to ensure we can offer the best options to our patients across our region and beyond.”
The team at Virtua uses Stryker’s Mako Spine robotic platform along with its Spine Guidance software for spinal fusion surgeries. This procedure joins vertebrae together using rods and screws to stabilize injured segments of the spine, relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, and preserve mobility.
According to Virtua Health, using this advanced technology increases precision during surgery and may lead to better safety outcomes for patients. It can also help protect healthy tissue by reducing unnecessary cutting and may contribute to faster recovery times compared with traditional methods.
