What Is Single-Position Spine Surgery? Dr. Courtney Toombs Explains

Many patients are surprised to learn that traditional spine surgery often requires repositioning during a procedure. Depending on the condition being treated, surgeons may need to access different areas of the spine, which can require changes in patient positioning while surgery is underway.

Advances in minimally invasive spine surgery are helping change that. Newer techniques, such as single-position lateral spine surgery, may allow surgeons to access multiple areas of the spine while the patient remains in one position throughout the procedure.

According to Courtney Toombs, MD, FAAOS, these innovations are part of a broader effort to improve surgical efficiency while maintaining a strong focus on precision, safety, and patient outcomes.

“At the end of the day, our goal is always to provide the best possible care for our patients,” says Dr. Toombs. “Advancements in minimally invasive spine surgery continue to improve the way we approach complex spinal conditions and help us deliver highly personalized treatment.”

Why Have Patients Traditionally Been Repositioned During Spine Surgery?

Many spine conditions involve structures that are located in different areas of the spine. During certain procedures, surgeons may need access to both the side and back of the spine in order to remove damaged discs, restore spinal stability, or perform other necessary components of the operation.

Historically, this often required repositioning the patient during surgery. While repositioning has long been a routine part of many spinal procedures, it can add additional steps to the surgical process.

As spine surgery techniques continue to evolve, surgeons are exploring ways to perform these procedures more efficiently without compromising safety, precision, or patient care.

What Is Single-Position Spine Surgery?

Single-position spine surgery is an advanced minimally invasive technique that allows the patient to remain in one position throughout the procedure while the surgeon accesses multiple areas of the spine.

In many cases, the approach enables surgeons to perform both the lateral (side) and posterior (back) portions of a procedure without repositioning the patient during surgery.

This technique is commonly used during certain lumbar spine procedures and may be appropriate for select patients with conditions affecting the lower back.

By eliminating the need to reposition the patient, surgeons may be able to streamline the procedure while maintaining a strong focus on surgical precision and efficiency.

Potential Benefits of Single-Position Spine Surgery

While every patient and procedure is unique, single-position spine surgery may offer several advantages when compared to traditional approaches that require repositioning.

Potential benefits may include:

• Improved surgical efficiency
• A more streamlined operating room workflow
• Reduced time spent repositioning during surgery
• Enhanced integration with advanced surgical technologies
• Continued focus on precision and patient safety

It is important to note that not every patient is a candidate for this approach, and treatment recommendations are always based on an individual’s diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, and overall treatment goals.

How Technology Continues to Advance Spine Surgery

Single-position spine surgery is one example of how technology continues to shape the future of spine care.

Dr. Toombs specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and incorporates advanced technologies such as surgical navigation, robotics, and motion-preserving techniques when appropriate. These tools help surgeons visualize anatomy with greater accuracy and support highly personalized treatment planning.

As new technologies become available, many spine surgeons are focused on finding ways to improve efficiency while maintaining excellent patient outcomes and delivering the highest standard of care.

Who May Be a Candidate for Single-Position Spine Surgery?

Single-position spine surgery may be considered for patients with certain lumbar spine conditions, including:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Herniated discs
• Other conditions affecting spinal stability and function

Not every patient is a candidate for this approach. A comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies and a review of symptoms, helps determine whether single-position spine surgery or another treatment option may be most appropriate.

Dr. Courtney Toombs’ Approach to Spine Care

For Dr. Toombs, innovation is not simply about adopting new technology. It is about finding the right treatment for each individual patient.

Her approach combines evidence-based medicine, advanced surgical techniques, and personalized care to help patients understand their options and make informed decisions about treatment.

Whether a patient is exploring conservative treatment options or considering surgery, Dr. Toombs believes education and collaboration are essential parts of the process.

“Every patient is different,” says Dr. Toombs. “The most important thing is developing a treatment plan that aligns with a patient’s condition, goals, and lifestyle.”

What to Expect

When you meet with Dr. Courtney Toombs, she will review your symptoms, imaging studies, medical history, and prior treatments to determine whether surgery may be appropriate. If surgical treatment is recommended, she will discuss all available options, including minimally invasive and technology-assisted approaches, to develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition and goals.

Schedule a consultation to learn more about your treatment options and whether minimally invasive spine surgery may be right for you.