Mark E. Oppenlander

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute

Papers

Total Citations

118

H-Index

About

Mark E. Oppenlander is a neurosurgeon and researcher whose work sits at the forefront of surgical robotics, navigation technology, and minimally invasive spine surgery. His most influential contribution, "Robotic-Assisted Spinal Surgery" (2019), has garnered 66 citations and stands as a foundational reference in the rapidly evolving field of robot-assisted operative techniques. Oppenlander has been particularly focused on integrating advanced navigation systems with robotic platforms to improve surgical precision and patient safety, as demonstrated by his work on single-position prone lateral lumbar interbody fusion — a technically demanding procedure made more feasible through robotic and navigational assistance. Beyond spinal surgery, Oppenlander has pioneered research into robotic automation of the operating microscope, exploring how image-guided robotics can enhance the precision of microneurosurgical procedures. His prospective cohort evaluation of an auto-navigating microscope reflects a broader commitment to evidence-based adoption of emerging technologies in the operating room. With a cumulative body of work earning over 118 citations, Oppenlander represents a surgeon-scientist helping to define how robotics and neuronavigation will shape the future of neurosurgery — making his publications essential reading for trainees and researchers interested in surgical innovation.