Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Dr. Olivia Tuma is a rising leader in the field of minimally invasive spine surgery, with a focused research program on the comparative effectiveness and technical optimization of robotic and navigated surgical systems. Her work directly addresses a critical question in modern orthopedics: whether robotic assistance offers measurable advantages over advanced navigation for lumbar fusion procedures. In her landmark 2023 study, "Comparison of Robotics and Navigation for Clinical Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion," Dr. Tuma demonstrated that while robotics reduces radiation exposure, both technologies yield comparable clinical outcomes, providing essential guidance for surgical decision-making. Her subsequent investigation into surgeon learning curves revealed that experience significantly influences the adoption of robotic techniques, with her analysis of three surgeons' trajectories offering a practical roadmap for institutions implementing these technologies. Most recently, her comprehensive accuracy assessment of 1,210 pedicle screws—the largest level-specific comparison to date—established that both 3D navigation and robotic arm guidance achieve exceptional screw placement accuracy, with no significant difference between the two. With her papers accumulating over 60 citations in just two years, Dr. Tuma's evidence-based approach is shaping how spine surgeons evaluate and adopt emerging technologies, making her a pivotal voice in the ongoing debate between robotics and navigation in minimally invasive spine surgery.