Shaun E. Gruenbaum

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About

Shaun E. Gruenbaum is a leading figure in the advancement of awake spinal surgery, a field dedicated to minimizing the risks and recovery times associated with traditional spinal procedures under general anesthesia. His primary research focuses on the use of neuraxial anesthesia—specifically spinal anesthesia—to enable patients to remain conscious during complex spine surgeries. Dr. Gruenbaum’s major contributions include demonstrating the safety and efficacy of awake robotic minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF), with a prospective study showing promising one-year outcomes. He has also systematically reviewed the benefits of awake surgery in reducing positioning-related complications, a critical concern for patient safety. His most cited works, including a 2024 literature review on positioning complications (4 citations) and a prospective study on awake robotic TLIF (3 citations), are foundational in this emerging subspecialty. By challenging the conventional reliance on general anesthesia for spine surgery, Dr. Gruenbaum is paving the way for faster recovery, fewer complications, and improved patient experiences, making him a pivotal innovator in modern spine care.