Virtua First in Philly/South Jersey Region to Use ‘Safe Zone’ Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery

Virtua Health, a not-for-profit health system, announced on January 21, 2026, that it is the first in the Philadelphia region and South Jersey to offer robotic-assisted spine surgery utilizing a new, highly precise navigation system. This advancement aims to improve both the safety and effectiveness of spinal procedures.

A New Level of Precision in Spine Surgery

The system combines robotic assistance with Spine Guidance by Stryker, a software described as GPS-like for surgeons. This software allows surgeons to establish “safe zones” during surgery, effectively creating boundaries that prevent surgical tools from inadvertently damaging surrounding tissues and structures.

Minimizing Risk and Enhancing Outcomes

According to Dr. James Sanfilippo, vice president of clinical operations for musculoskeletal services at Virtua Health, “It’s the only software on the market that allows us to set up safe zones, which enables us to relieve pressure on compressed nerves more safely and efficiently.” This increased precision is expected to optimize safety, preserve healthy tissue, reduce the extent of cutting required, and potentially speed up patient recovery.

Did You Know? Virtua Health has over 20 years of experience in robotic surgery, initially focusing on procedures like hip and knee replacements.

The technology is currently being used for spinal fusion surgery, a procedure where vertebrae are joined together to stabilize injured areas of the spine. Rods and screws are used to further stabilize the fused vertebrae, relieving pressure on nerves and potentially reducing pain while preserving mobility.

Building on Existing Expertise

Virtua’s adoption of this new technology builds upon its established expertise in robotic surgery. Dr. Sanfilippo explained, “Our decades of experience performing other types of robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery have positioned us to readily embrace new forms of the technology as they’re introduced.” Virtua collaborates directly with manufacturers like Stryker to ensure patients have access to the latest advancements.

Expert Insight: The introduction of robotic-assisted spine surgery with integrated navigation represents a significant step toward more targeted and less invasive spinal procedures, potentially offering patients a pathway to faster recovery and improved quality of life.

While robotic-assisted spine procedures are not yet widely available, Virtua’s implementation positions it as a leader in this emerging field. The health system is one of the first in the country to offer this combined approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is spinal fusion surgery?

Spinal fusion surgery joins the vertebrae (spine bones) together to stabilize injured spinal segments. Rods and screws are attached between the fused vertebrae to relieve pressure on compressed nerves.

What is Spine Guidance software?

Spine Guidance by Stryker is a navigation software that enables surgeons to create “safe zones” during surgery, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding structures.

Is this technology widely available?

Robotic-assisted spine procedures are not widely available yet. Virtua Health is one of the first in the country to offer this specific combination of robotic assistance and GPS-like navigation.

As this technology becomes more established, other healthcare systems may consider adopting similar approaches to enhance the precision and safety of spine surgery. Further development and refinement of the robotic platform and navigation software could lead to even more advanced capabilities in the future.