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What Is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery doesn’t mean a robot is doing your procedure. A real spine surgeon is in full control the entire time. The “robotic” part refers to a special system that helps the surgeon plan and carry out each step with more accuracy. This can be especially helpful in complex or delicate areas of the spine.

How Robotic Spinal Surgery Works

Spine Procedures
The process starts with a high-resolution scan of your spine. From that, we create a 3D model to plan the surgery down to the millimeter, creating a surgical blueprint. During the procedure, the robotic system helps guide the surgeon’s tools exactly where they need to go. This added layer of guidance helps reduce the risk of errors and improves outcomes — especially in cases where precision really matters.

The Technology We Use

At Premier Spine & Pain, we use robotic systems that help us operate with better control and visibility — especially in more complicated spine cases. Two of the main tools we rely on are:

  • Mazor Robotics Renaissance Guidance System – This helps us plan and place screws during spinal fusion procedures with a high level of accuracy.
  • ROSA ONE Brain – Originally designed for brain procedures, this system also allows us to visualize and navigate complex spinal anatomy in real time.

These systems don’t replace the surgeon — they give us better tools to work with. Combined with detailed 3D imaging, they help reduce guesswork and improve consistency from one case to the next.

What Are the Benefits?

There are a few key reasons robotic-assisted spine surgery might be the better choice:

  • Smaller incisions and less tissue damage
  • Reduced X-ray exposure
  • Less blood loss during surgery
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster overall recovery
  • More accurate implant placement
  • Lower chance of complications

In short, we’re able to treat your spine problem with more precision and less disruption to the rest of your body. This is especially useful for people who’ve had previous spine surgery or have complex anatomy due to deformities, scarring, or hardware from prior procedures.

Procedures We Perform with Robotic Assistance

We use robotic technology to assist with several different spine procedures, including:

Every case is different, so we build a treatment plan around your exact needs, medical history, and goals.

What About Risks?

No surgery is completely risk-free. With robotic spine surgery, the most common risks include infection, hardware issues, or anesthesia complications — just like any spinal operation. That said, robotic assistance helps reduce many of the variables that can lead to those problems.

We go over all possible risks with you before moving forward and explain exactly how we reduce them — through planning, sterile technique, and careful monitoring during surgery.

Who Is a Candidate?

You might be a good fit for robotic back surgery if:

  • You’ve had ongoing back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
  • You need a spinal fusion or stabilization procedure
  • You have a spinal deformity, instability, or prior failed surgery

The best way to find out is to meet with one of our surgeons. We’ll take a close look at your scans, talk through your symptoms and medical history, and help you figure out the right next step.

What to Expect: Start to Finish

Here’s what the process looks like if you decide to move forward:

Initial Consultation

We start with a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and imaging. This helps us understand your condition and whether robot back surgery makes sense for you.

Planning

If you’re a candidate, we use robotic software to create a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy. You’ll be involved in every step and know exactly what to expect.

Pre-Surgical Prep

You’ll get clear instructions about medications, food, and any necessary lab work. If you need help with insurance or referrals, our staff will guide you.

The Procedure

Surgery is done under general anesthesia. The robotic system helps your surgeon work through small incisions, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues.

Recovery Right After Surgery

You’ll spend some time in recovery with close monitoring. Many patients are able to start moving within a few hours after spine surgery.

Rehab & Discharge

Most people go home sooner than they would with traditional surgery. Physical therapy usually begins right away, either in the hospital or soon after discharge.

Long-Term Recovery

Most patients get back to light activities within a few weeks, and more demanding tasks over the next few months. We’ll check in regularly to monitor your healing and adjust your plan as needed.
Robotic spine surgery isn’t right for everyone — but when it is, it can make a big difference in how well you recover. At Premier Spine & Pain, we use this technology because it gives us more control and our patients better outcomes.

If you’re exploring your robotic spine surgery options in NJ, we at Premier Spine & Pain are happy to help you figure out if this is the right approach for you. Schedule a consultation, bring your questions, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Updated on May 29, 2025 by Dr. David Wells-Roth (Neurosurgeon) of Premier Brain & Spine

Premier Brain & Spine
10 Parsonage Rd, Suite 208A
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 258-0190