Canada’s first spinal robot for patient care has reached another major milestone. In an exciting leap forward, IWK Health and the QEII Health Sciences Centre have successfully performed Canada's first robotic-assisted surgery for pediatric scoliosis, marking a historic milestone in surgical robotics and pediatric care.
This groundbreaking procedure was performed by a world-class team — including surgeons, Dr. Ron El-Hawary, Dr. Ben Orlik and Dr. Andrew Glennie —using the MAZOR X spinal robot at the QEII Health Sciences Centre; cutting-edge technology that was fully funded by QEII Foundation donors.
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often presenting as an "S" or "C" shape. Scoliosis surgery typically involves the placement of a number of screws and rods, mere millimeters from the spinal cord and major blood vessels. In late-April 2024, IWK and QEII healthcare teams performed the intricate spinal surgery, assisted by the MAZOR X spinal robot for the very first time. It unlocks a new era of pediatric spinal surgeries with the ability to navigate the delicate spinal anatomy, place instrumentation and correct spinal deformities with new and unparalleled precision and accuracy.
For youth living with scoliosis, access to robot-assisted surgery can offer relief from physical discomfort which can be debilitating and a return to a fuller, more active childhood. It holds potential for a truly life-changing impact – restoring mobility, confidence, and quality of life for those affected by scoliosis.
Pictured from left to right - Jen Hoyt, Medtronic territory manager; Dr. Ahmad Aleumi, IWK pediatric spine fellow; Dr. Ron El-Hawary, orthopedic surgeon, IWK Health; Dr. Susan Morris, neurophysiologist, IWK Health, Janine Johnson, MAZOR robot specialist, Medtronic, Dr. Andrew Glennie, orthopedic surgeon, QEII and Dr. Ben Orlik, orthopedic surgeon, IWK Health. (Source: Medtronic)
“The use of intra-operative navigation and robotics is a huge advancement in the care of pediatric scoliosis patients in Canada. These enabling technologies allowed us to perform this revolutionary surgery safely and effectively,” says Dr. Ron El-Hawary, pediatric spine surgeon at IWK Health. “I am proud of our team in Halifax for being part of this major advancement in innovation.”
For 16-year-old patient, Matthew Muise, learning a robot would be assisting the surgical team during his procedure was pretty neat.
“Before this, I had never heard of robotic surgery,” says Matthew. “It’s cool that they use the robot to help place the screws exactly where they want and can be even more precise.”
Matthew and his parents, Graziella and Colin, attribute his smooth recovery, in part, to this advanced surgical precision combined with the expertise of his “great care team”.
Now several weeks post-procedure, Matthew describes his pain as minimal.
“From a pain management perspective, he’s doing phenomenal and he’s moving extremely well” says Graziella. “During his first post-op visit, his care team noted how impressed they were with his mobility.”
While being the first pediatric patient in Canada to undergo this type of robot-assisted surgery comes with some serious bragging rights, the milestone Matthew looks forward to the most is playing baseball and hockey again.
“He can’t wait to get back to the sports he loves,” says Graziella.
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