Studies suggest that approximately 85% of all Americans suffer from some form of back pain. Not only does this discomfort lead to missed work days, it also represents one of the most common reasons for hospitalization. Out of the approximately 56 million people in the US that experience back pain each year, around 5% end up needing some form of spinal surgery. Although the technology surrounding surgical procedures has evolved over the decades, procedures involving the spine can lead to significant concern for most patients. After all, a mistake can mean the difference between a cure, and lost mobility.
Mazor Robotics represents one of the biggest names in spine surgery technology. With the use of an innovative guidance system known as Renaissance, Mazor has minimized the risks of spinal surgery by transforming free-hand procedures into precise, and accurate operations. For the healthcare industry, Mazor is creating a safer world for patients, and operating staff alike.
How Does Mazor Work?
In a traditional setting, surgeons rely on their own skills to conduct spinal surgery – placing screws in the bones with skill and careful judgement. While the risks of misplacing screws in spinal surgery remain small with free-hand operations, they are still present, prompting the need for a more effective, and accurate solution. Robotic spinal surgery devices, such as the Mazor robotics system, enhance the precision of spinal surgery.
The Mazor Robotics system creates a computerized tomography (CT) scan for the surgeon, which effectively produces a blueprint for surgical care. By uploading images into an innovative 3D planning program, the surgeon can plan every aspect of the procedure before he or she even enters the operating room. During the procedure, the Mazor system allows the surgeon to maintain control, while it provides a guidance system for absolute accuracy. An arm mounted against the bones of the patient uses 3D tracking to guide the tools to the appropriate destination – simplifying various types of spinal surgery.
Used in more than 50,000 implants worldwide, the FDA approved technology of the Mazor guidance system enhances the exactitude of spinal surgery, potentially lowering rates of complication, reducing radiation exposure, and minimizing post-operative recovery time and pain.
The Benefits of Mazor
For patients and surgeons alike, spinal surgery can be one of the most intimidating, and challenging procedures available. Simple variations in the bone quality and anatomy of patients, as well as the possibility of human error can lead to disaster when combined with the essential nature of the spinal cord and the nerves that manage everyday functions. Even small mistakes in this area can quickly lead to serious complications. The Mazor robotics system helps professionals to meet the goals and requirements of modern spinal surgery – by accelerating recovery times and maximizing accuracy.
The Mazor system offers a range of important advantages to surgeons and patients alike, including:
- Higher precision during surgery thanks to the accuracy of spinal instruments
- Less postoperative pain due to a more effective initial surgery
- Minimized exposure to X-ray radiation and fluoroscopy
- Shorter recovery periods, so that patients can quickly return to their normal lives
- Lower levels of damage to surrounding tissues
With cutting-edge Mazor technology, surgeons can improve the results of numerous spinal procedures, including operations for degenerative spinal conditions, spinal deformities, and tumors. For patients and professionals alike, the Mazor system is changing the way we look at surgical procedures and patient care.
