Kornelis A. Poelstra

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Kornelis A. Poelstra is a leading orthopedic spine surgeon and researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of surgical innovation, ergonomics, and robotic technology. His major contributions include advancing the understanding and implementation of robotic-assisted surgery for adult spinal deformity, where he has demonstrated that these systems can improve instrumentation accuracy while potentially reducing complications and morbidity. Poelstra has also been at the forefront of making spinal robotics more practical and accessible, showing in his 2022 work that portable, table-mounted robots can achieve high accuracy while being more efficient and cost-effective than traditional systems. Beyond technology, he has drawn critical attention to the human cost of surgery itself: his highly cited 2023 systematic review revealed a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic surgeons, highlighting the urgent need for evidence-based ergonomic interventions in the operating room. With over 40 citations across his most influential papers, Poelstra’s research is shaping both the future of surgical robotics and the well-being of the surgeons who wield them.