Mazor Robotic Surgery

Q: How safe is the Mazor Robotic technology?

Mazor has been used in thousands of surgeries worldwide, including placement of over 15,000 implants, without a single case of permanent nerve damage (which can occur in about 1-2% of cases operated freehand).

Q: Why should my surgery be performed using the Mazor Renaissance™?

Although statistics show that spine surgeries are generally quite successful, Renaissance™ takes spine procedures to the next level with its consistent accuracy. Independent scientific research has shown that Mazor Robotics technology can increase surgical accuracy, lower complication rates, reduce pain, and aide in faster recovery with a quicker return to daily activities when compared to open, freehand surgeries.

Q: What is the difference between traditional spine surgery and this minimally invasive procedure?

In open surgery, the spine is exposed through a large incision to allow a full view and access. Based on your CT-scan, your surgeon may be able to use the Renaissance™ advanced 3D planning software to plan the optimal surgery customized for your anatomy and diagnosis. Once in the operating room, Renaissance™ guides your surgeon precisely to the preplanned anatomical location where intervention is necessary. Renaissance™ is not independent and does not cut or perform any action on your body. Only your surgeon performs the required procedures such as placing implants. Your surgeon is in full control of the system at all times. Also, at any stage, your surgeon can decide to continue without the assistance of the Renaissance™.

Q: Is there any additional cost to the patient for using robotic technology in spine surgery?

No. There is no additional cost to the patient or to the insurance company.

Saint Francis Healthcare is known for introducing several medical ‘firsts’ in Memphis and we continue that tradition by being the first and only hospital in the region to offer patients the benefits of the Mazor Robotics Renaissance™ guidance system for spine procedures.

Mazor Robotics Renaissance™ Guidance System has been used to perform thousands of procedures for a wide variety of spinal conditions, including scoliosis degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, and other complex spinal deformity cases.

At Saint Francis Healthcare we aim to provide you with everything you need to know about spine surgery. If you need a surgeon, try our free physician referral service.

What is the Mazor Robotics Renaissance™?

Renaissance™ is a robotic guidance system that allows surgeons to perform any spine surgery, from the simplest to the most complex, safely, accurately and efficiently. It can reduce radiation, lower complication rates, reduce pain and enable faster recovery for patients.

Mazor robotic technology allows surgeons to change from performing freehand spine surgery to highly accurate, state-of-the-art guided spinal surgery procedures that can improve patient outcomes and speed recovery. It is the only mechanical guidance system for spine surgery with FDA clearance and CE marking.

Types of spinal surgeries performed using the Renaissance™ include:

Scoliosis and other complex spinal deformities
Pedicle screws – short and long fusions
Transfacet screws and translaminar-facet screws
Osteotomies
Biopsies
Open, MIS and percutaneous posterior thoracolumbar approaches

How Robotic Spine Surgery Works

Surgery with Mazor Robotics’ Renaissance™ involves four major steps:

Plan - Creating a preoperative blueprint of the ideal surgery for each patient in a virtual 3D environment.
Mount - Rigid attachment to the patient assures maximum surgical accuracy throughout the procedure.
3D Sync - Two fluoroscopy images of a unique fiducial array automatically synchronize the mounting system with the surgical blueprint.
Operate - Tools and implants are guided to the planned location with 1.5 mm accuracy.

Mazor Renaissance™ Trained Surgeons

We are proud to feature the services of doctors who are expertly trained in robotic surgery. They are among a select group of physicians who are certified to use the latest Mazor™ surgical equipment.

J. Rodney Feild
MD, Neurological Surgery

Julius Fernandez
MD, Neurological Surgery

Sam Schroerlucke
MD, Orthopedic Surgery