Mary Kay Reinhardt
Papers
2
Total Citations
284
H-Index
2
About
Mary Kay Reinhardt is a pioneering figure in the field of robotic-assisted spinal surgery, best known for her groundbreaking work on the SpineAssist miniature robotic system. Her research centers on developing and validating bone-mounted robotic guidance for precise percutaneous placement of pedicle and translaminar facet screws, a critical innovation in minimally invasive spine surgery. Reinhardt’s major contributions include the first comprehensive cadaveric studies demonstrating the accuracy and feasibility of this miniature robotic assistant, with her seminal 2006 paper garnering 181 citations and its 2007 follow-up earning 103 citations. These works established a new paradigm for surgical navigation, showing that a robot mounted directly on the bone could achieve superior screw placement accuracy compared to freehand techniques. Her research has had a lasting impact on the field, influencing the development of subsequent robotic systems and improving patient outcomes by reducing surgical invasiveness and error rates. Reinhardt’s achievements include being among the first to translate robotic technology from industrial to clinical spinal applications, setting the stage for the widespread adoption of robotic assistance in orthopedics and neurosurgery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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