Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name One of Select Few NJ Hospitals Offering Robotic Spine Surgery

April 11, 2024

Holy Name Medical Center is now one of four hospitals in New Jersey to offer robotic spinal fusion surgery by combining robotics with 3D intraoperative imaging. Dr. Teja Karukonda, a spine surgeon at Holy Name, successfully performed the first surgery using this technology which has the capability to treat various symptomatic spine conditions such as degenerative conditions in the neck and back including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, arthritis (spondylosis) and spinal deformity. The goal of the treatment is to alleviate pain and improve function and quality of life as well as eliminate any neurologic symptoms including sciatica.

“The collaboration between the surgeon and the robot is transformative,” says Dr. Karukonda. “While the surgeon remains at the helm, the robotic assistance enhances precision, safety, and efficacy, leading to optimal patient outcomes.”

Compared to conventional open surgery or traditional minimally invasive techniques, patients undergoing robotic spine surgery experience many benefits, including less time under anesthesia, a decrease in discomfort after surgery, faster recovery time, and a reduced risk of complications.

The adaptable nature of the robotic system is continuously refined by ongoing advancements and enhancements, ensuring its ability to meet evolving clinical needs. This revolutionary robotic navigation platform, ExcelsiusGPS®, is the world’s first technology to combine a rigid robotic arm and full navigation capabilities into one adaptable platform for accurate trajectory alignment in spine surgery.

On the day a patient arrives for surgery, medical images are taken and imported into ExcelsiusGPS™. The surgeon uses these images to determine the size and placement of implants and creates a patient plan based on the patient's anatomy. This is used to guide the robotic arm to a specific region of the spine. The surgeon uses this route to accurately place the implants. Throughout the procedure, the surgical instruments and implants are continuously displayed on the screen for the surgeon and staff to monitor. This display allows the surgeon to view live feedback during the patient's procedure for more precise implant placement.

To schedule a consultation, make an appointment, or refer a patient, call Dr. Karukonda at 201-353-9000.