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About

Danielle M. Backes is a leading researcher in the field of robotic-assisted spine surgery, with a primary focus on optimizing pedicle screw placement accuracy and safety. Her major contributions center on identifying the critical factors that influence the precision of robot-guided spinal instrumentation, demonstrating that robotic systems not only improve screw placement accuracy but also allow for the use of larger, more robust pedicle screws without compromising patient safety. In her landmark 2022 study (19 citations), she conducted a retrospective multicenter analysis to quantify the variables affecting screw accuracy in robot-assisted procedures. Her subsequent work (9 citations) provided system-specific validation of the ExcelsiusGPS Robotic Guidance System, while another key study (8 citations) used triggered electromyographic (EMG) testing to prove that robotic assistance yields higher safety thresholds compared to traditional freehand techniques. Through her rigorous, evidence-based approach—analyzing data from over 150 patients—Backes has established a critical framework for surgeons seeking to maximize both the biomechanical strength and the safety of spinal constructs. Her research is essential reading for any spine surgeon or engineer working to advance the next generation of robotic surgical platforms.