Michael Stoffel

Technical University of Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar

Papers

Total Citations

410

H-Index

About

Michael Stoffel is a leading figure in the advancement of robotic-assisted spine surgery, with a primary focus on enhancing the precision and safety of complex spinal procedures. His most influential work, a 2012 prospective randomized controlled study (349 citations), definitively demonstrated the superior accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement compared to the traditional freehand technique in the lumbar and sacral spine. This landmark paper provided critical, high-level evidence that helped validate the clinical adoption of robotic systems like the SpineAssist, directly improving patient outcomes by reducing the risk of screw misplacement. Beyond this seminal trial, Stoffel has also contributed to the broader vision of the field, authoring forward-looking reviews on the current applications and future developments of robotic technology in spine surgery (61 citations). His research has been instrumental in bridging the gap between engineering innovation and clinical practice, establishing a foundation for the minimally invasive, image-guided spine surgeries that are now becoming standard. Through his rigorous clinical trials and visionary perspectives, Stoffel has shaped how surgeons approach spinal instrumentation, making him a pivotal contributor to modern orthopedics and neurosurgery.