What does “robotic spinal fusion” actually mean — and how is it different from traditional open spine surgery?

In this Vertrae® 360 Short Deep Dive, we explain how robotic-assisted spine surgery can help make lumbar fusion more precise, planned, and minimally disruptive. For patients with advanced lumbar instability, degenerative spondylolisthesis, nerve compression, or painful abnormal motion, surgery may become the right conversation when conservative care is no longer enough.

You’ll learn how MIS-TLIF, or minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, uses small incisions and muscle-sparing tubular retractors to stabilize a painful spinal segment while reducing soft tissue disruption compared with traditional open fusion.

This episode also explains how robotic guidance, including the Mazor X™ system, helps the surgeon plan screw placement in 3D before surgery and guide instrumentation with a high level of precision. The robot does not replace the surgeon — it supports surgical planning, accuracy, and consistency.

At Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Kamal Woods evaluates each patient’s symptoms, imaging, function, goals, and anatomy to determine whether minimally invasive robotic spine surgery is appropriate.

Visit Vertrae.com to request your MotionFirst™ evaluation.