South County Hospital has dedicated itself to becoming a Center of Excellence in Spine Care and Treatment. We are the first and only hospital in Rhode Island to offer robotic spine surgery, a less invasive technique to improve accuracy and optimize patient care.

What are the potential benefits of this less invasive method of spine surgery?

• Shorter hospital stay
• Less tissue damage
• Smaller incisions, which may lead to smaller scars

The spine is one of the most important structures in the human body. It supports much of the body’s weight and protects the spinal cord that carries information from the brain to the rest of the body.

Using the ExcelsiusGPS™ medical images are taken and programmed into the system. The surgeon uses these images to determine the size and placement of implants and creates a patient plan based on an individual’s anatomy.

The robotic arm guides the implants to a specific region of the spine, similar to a planned route on a GPS. The surgeon uses this pathway to accurately place the implants.

What is Less Invasive Spine Surgery?

Less invasive surgery combines your surgeon’s understanding of anatomy with x-ray imaging to treat spine conditions using small incisions.

This technique allows the surgeon to separate the muscles surrounding the spine rather than cut through them. The surgeon can then operate through small incisions along the spine.

It is important to understand that the option for using less invasive surgical techniques is individualized to the patient and the patient's symptoms.

It is important to discuss with your physician whether less invasive surgery is appropriate for your condition.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

• Am I a candidate for less invasive spine surgery with ExcelsiusGPS™?
• How can I benefit from spine surgery with ExcelsiusGPS™?
• What can I expect on the day of the surgery?
• What can I expect post-surgery?