First experience in performance of spinal segments' stabilization using robotic assistance (SpineAssist, MAZOR Surgical Technologies, Caesarea, Israel) in Russia is presented. Between August 2009 and August 2010 twenty six surgical interventions using that technique were performed at Spinal Department of RAMS Institute of Neurosurgery named after N.N. Burdenko. Preoperative neuro-visualization included spondylography, MRI, CT with sections <1 mm that was essential for preoperative planning using computed work station SpineAssist. The robot was used for automated navigation of instruments in operative wound according to preoperatively planned path. New system of transcorporal stabilization of spinal segments Go-Lif required only two screws for fixation was compatible with fusion technique and was of special interest. Robotic assistance enabled to obtain optimum location of implants in all cases even in presence of anatomical peculiarities of the operated segments (thin vertebral arch roots, rotative deformity of vertebrae. Basing on the results of control CT examination and comparison of obtained CT data with preoperative planning data it was shown that with robotic assistance clinical accuracy of implant location was within 1 mm). No complications related to implant insertion were observed.

robotic assistance, preoperative planning, guided oblique lumbar interbody fusion .