Houston Methodist Spine Center at Willowbrook now offers spine surgery candidates the most advanced technology in robot-guided spinal surgery. This robotic guidance system provides unparalleled surgical precision for complex cases, resulting in improved surgical accuracy, less risk for complications, less blood loss and lower risk of infection.

 

“Health care and surgical technology are constantly evolving, and we’re excited to be able to offer our patients the absolute best and most advanced option available,” said Hosun Hwang, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “As part of our mission to bring leading medicine to the northwest Houston community, we are dedicated to investing in innovative technology to create better outcomes for our patients.”

 

Houston Methodist Willowbrook is the first hospital in northwest Houston to offer this leading-edge technology. People who suffer debilitating neck or back pain may want to consider minimally invasive spine surgery to alleviate their condition. Spine surgery is complex and requires a high level of precision, usually making it a last resort for those dealing with persistent back pain. Having convenient access to highly skilled surgeons and the latest technology can ease concerns and provide comfort to patients and their loved ones.

 

“Surgeons can use this technology to bring together preoperative planning, robotic guidance and surgical navigation for overall improved accuracy and precision during the procedure,” added Einar Bogason, MD, a neurosurgeon and medical director of neurosurgery at Houston Methodist Willowbrook. “This helps patients return to their normal lives sooner than traditional surgery.”

 

The preoperative planning involves MRI and CT imaging of the spine that is used for precise computer modeling for placement of hardware into the spine. This type of procedure may be recommended for patients considering surgery to alleviate symptoms from:

 

  • complex scoliosis and kyphosis (abnormal curvatures of the spine)
  • degenerative disc disease
  • herniated discs
  • spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra in the lower back slips forward on top of another)
  • revision surgery from a failed operation

 

Due to the complex nature of the spine and all the vital functions associated with it, treatment plans often require the input and cooperation of several specialists. The Houston Methodist Spine Center at Willowbrook offers coordinated care by drawing on a multidisciplinary team that has experience and expertise treating a full range of spine-related disorders. The treatment plan is designed for a patient’s unique back or neck pain, and includes options ranging from pain management, physical therapy and other nonsurgical procedures to minimally invasive robotic surgery that reduces risk and helps speed recovery.

 

To learn more about the Houston Methodist Spine Center at Willowbrook, visit our website at: houstonmethodist.org/spine/willowbrook