L. Kaplan

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About

Dr. L. Kaplan is a pioneering figure in the field of robotic-assisted spine surgery, whose work has fundamentally shaped the debate on the integration of advanced technology into orthopedic and neurosurgical practice. Kaplan’s research critically examines the balance between innovation and clinical necessity, exploring whether robotic guidance systems represent a genuine breakthrough or merely a sophisticated surgical toy. In his landmark 2008 paper, “Robotic Assisted Spine Surgery—a Breakthrough or a Surgical Toy?” (19 citations), he provides a foundational analysis of the efficacy and limitations of robotic platforms, comparing them to traditional freehand and fluoroscopically assisted techniques, which historically documented pedicle breach rates of 3–55% (Amiot et al.). His follow-up study, “Miniature Robotic Guidance for Spine Surgery” (4 citations), further investigates the precision of miniaturized robotic systems, offering early evidence of their potential to reduce complication rates. Kaplan’s work has been instrumental in guiding surgeons and researchers toward evidence-based adoption of robotics, influencing subsequent clinical trials and device development. With a career dedicated to improving surgical outcomes through critical evaluation of emerging technologies, Dr. Kaplan remains a respected voice in the ongoing evolution of minimally invasive spine surgery.