As surgical technology advances, spine surgery will become more automated, more precise and much more standardized, providing valuable data for benchmarking and informing standard of care guidelines.

Published: March 29, 2022 | Updated: May 11, 2026

Robotic-assisted spine surgery continues to evolve rapidly, offering spine surgeons new tools to enhance precision and efficiency and improve patient outcomes. At Norton Leatherman Spine, this commitment to innovation remains at the forefront, most recently demonstrated by the adoption of the next-generation Medtronic Stealth AXiS Surgical System.

On April 11^th of 2026, Jeffrey L. Gum, M.D. became the first surgeon in the world to perform a procedure using this new platform, marking a significant milestone not only for Norton Healthcare, but for the future of spine surgery.

Advancing beyond traditional robotic platforms

Robotic-assisted technology has long played a role in improving accuracy of screw placement and enabling minimally invasive approaches. The latest generation platform builds on that foundation with meaningful advancements in both technology and workflow.

The Stealth AXiS system is designed to:

• Provide highly accurate robotic assisted positioning of surgical instruments.
• Guide surgeons in identifying anatomical structures across open and minimally invasive procedures.
• Integrate seamlessly with preoperative imaging such as CT, MRI and X-ray for enhanced surgical planning

These capabilities support more consistent execution of complex procedures while allowing for a more patient-specific surgical approach.

Real-time intelligence and intraoperative adaptability

One of the most notable advancements in the updated system is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time tracking capabilities.

The platform introduces:

• AI-assisted guidance to support precise screw placement
• Real-time alignment tracking that detects patient movement during surgery
• The ability to dynamically adjust the surgical plan intraoperatively

This represents a meaningful shift in how surgeons can respond to intraoperative variability, a longstanding challenge in spine surgery. By providing continuous feedback on spinal alignment and movement, the system enhances accuracy and confidence in execution.

Improving efficiency and surgical workflow

In addition to improving clinical precision, the system was designed with usability and efficiency in mind.

Key workflow enhancements include:

• Streamlined operating room processes
• Reduced time in surgery
• Improved surgeon interface and usability
• Cloud-based connectivity to support preoperative planning and data integration

Together, these features allow for more efficient procedures while maintaining a high standard of care.

Driving better patient outcomes

As with all advancements in spine surgery, the goal is improved patient outcomes.

Robotic-assisted technology, now enhanced by real-time data and AI, supports:

• Increased accuracy in instrumentation placement
• Reduced variability in surgical execution
• Potential for decreased radiation exposure to patients, surgeons, and OR staff during procedures
• More personalized surgical plans tailored to each patient’s anatomy

These benefits contribute to safer procedures and help patients return more quickly to daily activities.

Leading innovation in spine care

Norton Leatherman Spine has long been a leader in navigation- and robotic-assisted spine surgery, performing thousands of procedures annually and contributing to the advancement of surgical technology through clinical expertise and innovation.

The introduction of the Stealth AXiS system represents the next step in that evolution, moving from precision-guided surgery to a more adaptive, intelligent surgical ecosystem.

As robotic-assisted platforms continue to advance, the focus remains clear: leveraging technology to improve outcomes, enhance safety and redefine the standard of care in spine surgery.