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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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Optimizing Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: A Fully 3D CT O-Arm Navigated Workflow in MIS TLIF
Published on: October 17, 2025
Evolving minimally invasive spine surgery: a surgeon's perspective on technological convergence and digital or
John C Chiu1, Ali M Maziad, George Rappard
1Department of Neurosurgery, California Spine Institute, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.
Surgical Technology International
|May 4, 2010
Summary
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) offers a less traumatic alternative to traditional open surgery for spinal disc degeneration and stenosis. Advanced technologies and integrated digital operating rooms (DORs) are crucial for enhancing MISS precision and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Degenerative spinal disc disease and spinal stenosis are prevalent conditions necessitating surgical intervention.
- Traditional open spinal discectomy presents challenges including significant tissue trauma, increased complications, scarring, and prolonged recovery.
- The evolution towards minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) aims to mitigate these drawbacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing trend and necessity of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).
- To emphasize the technological advancements required for successful MISS.
- To introduce the SurgMatix(R) integrated digital operating room (DOR) system designed to support MISS.
Main Methods:
- The study discusses the technological requirements for MISS, including advanced endoscopic instruments, imaging-video technology, and tissue modulation.
- It introduces the concept of a digital operating room (DOR) for enhanced surgical control.
- The development and integration of the SurgMatix(R) system within the DOR are presented as a key advancement.
Main Results:
- The integration of advanced technologies and DORs facilitates precise and orchestrated surgical procedures.
- The SurgMatix(R) system provides "organized control" within the endoscopic operating suite.
- This technological integration supports the performance, training, and advancement of MISS.
Conclusions:
- Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) represents a significant advancement over traditional open discectomy.
- Technological integration, exemplified by systems like SurgMatix(R) in a digital operating room (DOR), is pivotal for the success and future development of MISS.
- MISS, enabled by advanced technology, promises improved patient outcomes and reduced surgical morbidity.

