Mazor Robotic Surgery: Precision Spine Care at LMH Health
From an early age, Dr. Kelli Crabtree-Wilson was fascinated by the human nervous system. Personal experiences sparked her interest in neuroscience, eventually leading her to a career in neurosurgery.
Dr. Hemil Maniar and Dr. Kelli Crabtree-Wilson
“I love operating,” she explained. “In just a few hours, you can dramatically improve someone’s quality of life. Many patients come in with weakness, severe pain, loss of feeling or function, which significantly impacts their day to day activities. Helping them find relief and return to the activities they love is incredibly rewarding.”
Dr. Crabtree-Wilson made history as the first female graduate of the neurosurgery residency program at the University of Kansas. To her, neurosurgery still feels like one of medicine’s last frontiers.
“It’s the most fascinating field,” she said. “Spine surgery has advanced tremendously in the past two decades with new technology and minimally invasive techniques continuing to push it forward.”
One of the most exciting advancements is the use of robotics. At LMH Health, patients now have access to the Mazor™ robotic guidance system, a cutting-edge tool that allows surgeons to plan and perform spine procedures with greater accuracy and consistency.
How robotic spine surgery works
The Mazor™ robotic guidance system is designed to bring an extra layer of accuracy and safety to spinal procedures. Unlike traditional surgery, where the surgeon relies solely on direct visualization and X-rays during the operation, the Mazor™ allows for detailed planning and guided precision.
Pre-surgical planning
Before surgery, Dr. Crabtree-Wilson uses the system to map out a personalized plan for each patient.
“We upload the patient’s CT scan and images into the Mazor™ system preoperatively to create a 3D model of the patient’s spine,” she explained. “This gives us a clear picture of their unique anatomy and allows us to create a plan specific to the patient in advance. We’re able to simulate the surgery, plan the safest approach, and determine the precise placement, size and angle of implants to optimize surgical results for each patient before we step into the operating room.”
Real-time guidance
During the operation, the Mazor™ acts like a high-tech GPS system. A robotic arm is positioned over the patient’s spine, guiding the surgeon’s tools to the planned entry points. The system continuously cross-checks its position with the 3D model, making micro-adjustments if necessary to ensure accuracy.
Safety features
Because the robot uses advanced tracking and navigation, it helps minimize the risk of error. It can prevent tools from drifting away from the intended path, which is especially important when operating close to delicate nerves or the spinal cord.
The surgeon is always in control
It’s important to note that the robot is a sophisticated guidance system – it doesn’t perform the surgery on its own. The surgeon makes all the decisions, and the robot provides enhanced precision, stability, and support throughout the procedure.
Patients notice the difference
Because of the planning and guidance the Mazor™ provides, surgeons are often able to use minimally invasive techniques, which can mean:
- Smaller incisions (down to the millimeter)
- Less muscle disruption
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays
Patients notice the difference.
“In my experience, many patients are able to go home within a day, which is rarely the case with open procedures,” said Dr. Crabtree-Wilson. “Their pain is easier to manage, recovery time is faster, and they can get back to their normal lives sooner.”
It’s important to note that not every type of spine surgery qualifies for robotic assistance. At LMH Health, Dr. Crabtree-Wilson and her colleague, orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Hemil Maniar, use the Mazor™ primarily for procedures in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Why choose LMH Health?
Patients who come to LMH Health receive more than just advanced technology. Dr. Crabtree-Wilson and Dr. Maniar work with a team of highly skilled advanced practice providers who support patients from clinic visits through surgery and recovery.
“We really complement each other,” she said. “That teamwork makes all the difference.”
Dr. Crabtree-Wilson also emphasizes the personal touch that sets LMH Health apart.
“I want people to feel seen and heard. At LMH Health, you’ll find both cutting-edge technology and compassionate, personalized care. From your first appointment to your recovery, you’ll feel supported every step of the way,” she said.
Her guiding principle is simple: treat every patient like family.
“I think about how I’d want my own loved ones cared for, and I bring that same standard to my patients,” she said. “Spine surgery is a big decision, and we’re here to walk with you through the entire journey.”
