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Lenox Hill first in NYC to use advanced tech to improve spine surgery outcomes
With the new technology, LHH can produce 3-D models of the spine to give the surgeon a clear understanding of the specific patient’s anatomy
Lenox Hill Hospital’s orthopedic and neurosurgical spine teams are the first group of spine surgeons in New York City to use Stryker’s Q Guidance System for spinal navigation and guidance in surgery. Employing state-of-the-art cameras and advanced imaging and guidance software, the system combines new optical tracking with sophisticated algorithms to deliver more precise surgical planning and navigation capabilities.
The technology uses x-ray imaging to construct real-time, 3-D models of the spine to not only give the surgeon a clear understanding of the specific patient’s anatomy, but also give computer-assisted surgical recommendations designed to deliver optimal outcomes. It is also the first of its kind to receive FDA clearance for use with pediatric patients 13 and older.
Spinal fusion surgery using Q Guidance System
Frank Schwab, MD, chairman of orthopedic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, vice president of orthopedic surgery for Northwell Health’s western region and system chief of orthopedic spine surgery at Northwell Health, was joined by associate director of orthopedic spine surgery, Jonathan Oren, MD and orthopedic surgeon Alexander Butler, MD. Together, they used the system to stabilize and fuse the spine of a 70-year-old female patient who has experienced pain, disability and worsening posture due to scoliosis.
During the four-hour procedure at Lenox Hill, Q Guidance gave Dr. Schwab a real-time, precise understanding of the patient’s spinal anatomy allowing him to precisely calibrate locations for spinal fixation screws and other tools that were part of the fusion process. The tracking and 3-D capabilities also helped Dr. Schwab seamlessly navigate the complicated spinal column with the ability to foresee any anomalies not visible to the naked eye.
The purpose of spinal fusion surgery is to surgically attach two or more vertebrae, which are small bones in the spine, in an effort to correct a specific problem, such as painful arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or a herniated disc.
Dr. Schwab deemed the surgery a success, and he is confident the patient will experience less pain and have more stability going forward.
Making spine surgery safer, faster
On the same day, spine surgeon Griffin Baum, MD used the system to correct and stabilize a patient with a complex spinal deformity.
“At Lenox Hill Hospital, we are at the forefront of the latest medical and surgical advancements to ensure our patients get the highest quality of care they deserve,” said Dr. Schwab. “Technological advancements like this help make any spinal surgery safer, faster and more predictable which, in turn, means a quicker recovery for patients with fewer complications.”
“Here at Lenox Hill Hospital, we have built a collaborative multidisciplinary spine group including orthopedics, neurosurgery, pain management, and physiatry, which allows us to deliver the highest level of care for our patients,” said Dr. Oren.
Why would someone need spine surgery?
Back pain is one of the most prevalent reasons people seek primary and emergency medical attention in the United States. Four in 10 Americans suffered from back pain in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common causes like spinal sprains, degenerative disc disease, herniated disc or ruptured discs, spinal stenosis and scoliosis can cause debilitating stiffness, numbness and tingling, in addition to pain. Depending on the diagnosis, there are many surgical options that can be used to address back pain if traditional medicinal and therapeutic options have been exhausted.
A dedication to improving the lives of back pain patients has earned Lenox Hill Hospital’s orthopedists several distinguished honors. Healthgrades, the leading marketplace that connects consumers, physicians, and health systems, awarded the facility with five stars for exceptional outcomes in back surgery for 2023.
After a rigorous analysis of more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide, U.S. News and World Report ranked Lenox Hill among the top 25 hospitals in the country for several specialties including orthopedics (17th) and neurology and neurosurgery (22nd) in 2022-23. Newsweek, a premiere global magazine, also ranked the facility among the “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals” for 2023 in orthopedics and neurosurgery.
People experience back pain differently. We can help with a variety of surgical or nonsurgical treatments to get you back on your feet again.
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