S. Brink-Danan

Papers

Total Citations

251

H-Index

About

S. Brink-Danan is a pioneering figure in the field of robotic-assisted spine surgery, whose work has fundamentally advanced the precision and safety of spinal implant placement. Their key research centers on the development and clinical translation of miniature, bone-mounted robotic guidance systems, most notably the SpineAssist. Brink-Danan’s major contribution lies in bridging the gap between engineering concepts and clinical practice, demonstrating that a compact, image-guided robot could achieve superior accuracy for pedicle screw placement compared to traditional freehand techniques. This work directly addressed the critical need to avoid neural injuries during posterior spinal fusion procedures. The impact of their research is underscored by high citation counts, with their seminal 2006 paper on the early clinical experience with SpineAssist garnering 141 citations, and a subsequent 2007 paper on the transition from concept to clinical practice accumulating 101 citations. By establishing the feasibility and efficacy of robotic guidance in the operating room, Brink-Danan laid the groundwork for the modern era of computer-assisted spinal surgery, making complex procedures safer and more reproducible for patients worldwide.