Robotic and Minimally Invasive Spine Neurosurgery | The Johns Hopkins Neurosurgical Spine Center

Our advanced technologies can help you get relief from a wide range of spine conditions, with less scarring and discomfort and shorter recovery time. Our neurosurgical spine team is well versed in minimally invasive techniques as they apply to spinal cord decompression, disc replacement, spinal fusion, tumor removal and many other surgical procedures.

Spine surgeon viewing patient's incision through AR goggles — MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACHES

Augmented Reality (AR) Technology

AR technology integrates your scans and unique anatomy with surgeons' field of vision, offering a better view of complicated, delicate spinal structures.

Spine surgeon preparing the spine surgery robot — MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACHES

Robotic Technology

Our robotic spine surgery system offers real-time feedback while your procedure is taking place, ensuring precise placement of screws and other hardware.

Doctor holding the endoscope — MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACHES

Special Tools

Surgical tools such as the endoscope and the special retractor tubes allow our surgeons to move healthy tissues aside to access the problem in the spine through a small incision.

Dr. Witham with a model of the spine — MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACHES

Better Angles

For some procedures, such as spinal fusion and disc replacement, we can access the spine from the side rather than the back, making it easier to get to the spine without disrupting major muscles.

What the Minimally Invasive Approach Means to You

Smaller Incisions

Meaning less scaring, faster healing and lower risk of infection

Sparing of Healthy Tissue

Meaning less blood loss, easier recovery and fewer complications

Quicker Surgery

Meaning a shorter hospital stay, less anesthesia and faster return to your daily life

Robotic Spine Surgery | Harriott’s Story

After living with severe back pain caused by a fall that further injured her degenerative spine, Harriott sought the help of Johns Hopkins spine neurosurgeon Nicholas Theodore. Watch how he used a new robotic surgical approach for the first time in the U.S. to secure her spine and eradicate her pain.

Is minimally invasive spine surgery right for you?

We approach every surgical procedure with the goal of relieving pain and restoring function while getting you back to your life as soon as possible. Although minimally invasive spine surgery can often deliver on these goals, it is not right for everyone. Among others, patients who had prior surgeries, and those with large or complex deformities or large spine tumors, might benefit more from a traditional surgical approach. If you are interested in minimally invasive spine surgery, contact us for an evaluation.