Nicole Mottole

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Nicole Mottole is a rising figure in the field of spine surgery, with a focused research interest in the intersection of robotics and surgical precision. Her most notable contribution, a 2021 study on robotic pedicle screw placement, introduced a dynamic learning curve model that is uniquely calibrated to the Spine Surgery Invasiveness Index. This work challenges static training paradigms, demonstrating that the complexity of a procedure—not just repetition—dictates how quickly a surgeon achieves proficiency. By linking robotic skill acquisition to patient-specific surgical invasiveness, Mottole provides a framework for safer, more efficient adoption of robotic technologies in orthopedics. Though early in her career, with her key paper already garnering 2 citations, her research addresses a critical gap in surgical education: the need for adaptive, risk-aware training protocols. Her findings have implications for reducing operative errors and improving outcomes in minimally invasive spine procedures. As robotic surgery continues to expand, Mottole’s work positions her as a thoughtful contributor to evidence-based surgical innovation, offering a data-driven path for integrating new technologies into clinical practice.