NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Children’s has achieved a major milestone by performing the first robotic-assisted pediatric spine deformity surgery in Louisiana and the Gulf South. This recently completed procedure represents a significant step forward in patient safety and precision reaffirming Ochsner Children’s leadership in innovative pediatric orthopedic care.
The procedure was performed by Ochsner Children’s pediatric orthopedic surgeons, Ryan Farmer, MD and Lawrence Haber, MD, on a patient diagnosed with Scheuermann's kyphosis, a spinal condition characterized by a severe forward leaning curvature in the spine. The surgery utilized Globus Medical’s revolutionary ExcelsiusGPS® robotic system, a state-of-the-art platform technology that enhances the surgeon's ability to plan and execute precise implant placements, significantly improving the safety and accuracy of spinal procedures.
“Robotic-assisted surgery is on the cutting-edge of pediatric spine surgery and is a big win for all our kids with spinal conditions,” said Dr. Farmer. “With advanced imaging and computer guidance, we can place implants with greater accuracy—making surgery safer for our patients.”
Robotic-assisted spine surgery advantages extend beyond precision. By incorporating this technology, Ochsner Children’s empowers its surgical teams with the ability to meticulously plan procedures in advance, determining the size, trajectory, and placement of each implant while enhancing control.
“This is an important step forward for families in Louisiana and the Gulf South,” said Dr. Haber, who also serves as Ochsner Children’s section head of pediatric orthopedics. “Our goal is always to make surgery safer, more precise, and to improve outcomes for kids. This new procedure is a big moment for pediatric care—and a sign of what’s possible when we explore innovative solutions to treat children with complex conditions.”
The integration of robotic technology into pediatric orthopedics marks the continuation of Ochsner’s legacy of pioneering advancements in patient care. By adopting cutting-edge solutions, Ochsner Children’s is shaping the future of pediatric healthcare and reaffirming its role as a trusted partner for families seeking expert medical treatment.
Learn more about Ochsner Children’s nationally ranked pediatric orthopedic program by visiting, www.ochsner.org/services/pediatric-orthopedics/
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About Ochsner Children’s
Ochsner Children’s is part of Ochsner Health, the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner Children’s has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. For the eighth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ochsner Children's Hospital among the Top 50 Children’s Hospitals in the country. In 2024, Ochsner Children's Hospital ranked in cardiology & heart surgery, orthopedics and gastroenterology & GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s Hospital is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Children’s Hospitals ranking in pulmonology and neonatology. Recently, construction began on a new home for Ochsner Children’s Hospital as a continued focus on advancing high quality, innovative pediatric healthcare throughout the Gulf South region. Ochsner Children’s inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and connection not found anywhere else in the region.
About Globus Medical
Globus Medical, Inc. is a leading musculoskeletal implant manufacturer and is driving significant technological advancements across a complete suite of spinal products. Founded in 2003, Globus’ single-minded focus on advancing spinal surgery has made it the fastest growing company in the history of orthopedics. Globus is driven to utilize superior engineering and technology to achieve pain free, active lives for all patients with spinal disorders.