Commitment to Technology

We always endeavor to treat patients without surgery. But when spine surgery is needed, technology and technique are critical to achieving the best results. Our physicians are at the forefront of efforts to bring new technological innovations to spine patients.

Pioneering new technology for better outcomes

In 2009, Dr. Cohen helped Abbott Spine (now Zimmer Spine) develop the groundbreaking universal clamp for U.S. use in spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. After training in Paris, Dr. Cohen educated other U.S. physicians on the complex instrumentation and pioneered the treatment in this country, becoming the first physician to place the clamp in a patient in the U.S.

In 2012, Dr. Cohen became the first spine surgeon in Guilford County to use a GPS-like technology called the O-Arm to perform minimally invasive spine surgery – and today, he and Dr. Torrealba remain the only spine surgeons in Guilford County using this advanced technology. The O-Arm provides detailed real-time images to help surgeons precisely place implants and instruments during complex spinal procedures. Dr. Cohen and Dr. Torrealba often use the O-Arm to assist with complex spinal deformity cases in both children and adults. They have found that the O-Arm improves surgical accuracy and safety, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Developing advanced techniques, educating surgeons

Dr. Cohen also is actively involved in developing new surgical techniques and training other surgeons in state-of-the-art procedures. He currently is assisting the equipment manufacturer Medtronic in developing new techniques for minimally invasive sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion using O-Arm technology. In addition, as a participant in Medtronic’s Visiting Surgeon Program, Dr. Cohen helps to educate other surgeons, who come from around the world to observe his work in the Operating Room using these advanced techniques. Dr. Cohen also is working with Medtronic on the development of a new interbody fusion cage designed to improve surgical outcomes.

Dedicated to continual education

Dr. Torrealba also has a strong commitment to leading-edge technology. He came to our practice in 2013, after completing training in the latest-minimally invasive spine surgery techniques at the internationally-known Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis, MN.

Experts and innovators in surgery, Dr. Cohen and Dr. Torrealba attend many courses throughout the year to learn emerging technology that can enhance outcomes and recovery for their patients.

Improving patient safety, non-operative treatment

Our practice also uses state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient safety in the operating room. Patients are monitored throughout surgery using sophisticated neuromonitoring equipment.

Advanced technology also is crucial in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of patients. Our office offers on-site MRI scans. We also have sophisticated electromyogram (EMG) equipment, which aids in the definitive diagnosis and treatment of nerve and muscle conditions, as well as a dedicated fluoroscopy suite where Dr. Saullo performs interventional procedures. In addition, Dr. Saullo uses state-of-the-art digital ultrasound equipment to improve the accuracy of musculoskeletal injections.