Nitin Bhatia

University of California, Irvine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Nitin Bhatia is a leading spine surgeon and researcher whose work centers on the application of robotic guidance in complex spinal deformity correction and revision surgery. His major contributions lie in demonstrating the feasibility and accuracy of robotic-assisted techniques for challenging screw placements, particularly the S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screw in long constructs for spinal deformity. His most cited paper, "Robotic Guidance for S2-Alar-Iliac Screws in Spinal Deformity Correction" (2013, 74 citations), is a landmark retrospective cohort study that validated robotic guidance for sacropelvic fixation, offering a safer, more precise alternative to traditional methods. This work has significantly influenced modern surgical practice by reducing malposition risks and improving outcomes in deformity correction. Bhatia has also advanced the field of revision spine surgery, showing that robotic guidance enhances screw accuracy in patients with altered anatomy from prior instrumentation. His research, though focused on technical innovation, has practical implications for reducing complications like persistent pain and neurological deficits. With over 80 combined citations, Bhatia’s contributions underscore the transformative role of robotics in spine surgery, making him a key figure in the evolution of minimally invasive, high-precision spinal care.