Thomas Schuler, MD, chief executive and spine surgeon at the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, performed a hybrid multi-level cervical artificial disc replacement with spinal fusion, one of the first in the country.

Thomas Schuler, MD, founder of the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, recently used Mazor Robotics' Renaissance robotic guidance products to perform a minimally invasive procedure during a thoracic fusion at HCA Reston (Va.) Hospital Center. Dr. Schuler and colleague from the spine institute, Christopher R. Good, MD, became among the first surgeons in the Mid-Atlantic region to perform robot-guided spine surgery.

Here, Dr. Schuler answers questions about robot-guided spine surgery, discussing challenges, as well as what the future may hold for robotic assistance in spine.

Thomas C. Schuler, MD, and Christopher R. Good, MD, both of the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, Va., have performed robot-guided spine surgery during a thoracic fusion procedure to repair a spinal fracture.

Spine surgeon Thomas Schuler, MD, is CEO of the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, which he founded in 1992. He has a special interest in treating patients with cervical and lumbar spinal disorders. During his career, he has worked with professional athletes. He has been the spine consultant for the National Football League's Washington Redskins since 1993.

Thomas Schuler, MD, president and CEO of Virginia Spine Institute, works with a number of professional athletes. He shares four quick tips on providing care to athletes as well as all patients.