JOPLIN, Mo. – The relentless pursuit of technological innovation has been a traditional hallmark at Freeman Health System during its 100 years in Joplin. This was again on full display Friday afternoon as Freeman neurosurgery physicians showcased next-generation technology that serves as a key alternative to spinal fusion surgery.

During a press conference held inside Operating Room 9 at Freeman Health System, Drs. Joshua Sweaney and Ellen Nichols demonstrated how they are combining the strengths of two independent but revolutionary technologies to treat degenerative spinal conditions such as lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. 

Freeman Health System is the only hospital system in the region utilizing both technologies.

The first technology, Medtronic Mazor™ Robotic Guidance System, makes it more efficient and intuitive for Freeman neurosurgeons to plan and execute spinal surgical procedures. Robotic pre-planning software allows them to fully map each patient’s anatomy in 3D before they even step inside the operating room.

The second technology, the Premia TOPS™ (Total Posterior Spine) implant, provides a non-fusion alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery. It is an articulating mechanism held between two titanium plates and secured by precisely placed pedicle screws. The TOPS device stabilizes the lower spine and preserves spinal motion, allowing patients to bend, twist, and move more freely than they would after fusion surgery, while relieving symptoms like leg pain, numbness, and walking difficulties.

Working in unison, Mazor uses stealth navigation and precise robotic guidance to accurately place the TOPS implant during spinal surgery, directly leading to construct accuracy, faster recovery times, less exposure to imaging radiation, and better outcomes for Freeman patients.

Dr. Sweaney performed Freeman’s very first surgery utilizing both technologies in tandem in August 2024. Since then, he and Dr. Nichols have performed additional surgeries in 2025.

Dr. Sweaney spoke about a Freeman patient that underwent this revolutionary surgery earlier this year after complaining he, an avid golfer, could no longer walk the greens when playing. Less than three months post-surgery, he played 160 holes of golf over a two-week period while on vacation, walking the entire time.

“I think this has been a game-changer when it comes to giving our patients an alternative to spinal fusion,” Dr. Sweaney said, “It’s absolutely huge.”

Patients seeking Freeman Health System’s neurosurgeons are traveling from major metro areas, and purposely passing up larger hospital systems, to undergo spinal surgery in Joplin. Dr. Sweaney said one of his patients drove to Joplin from as far away as Iowa. 

It’s not about the technology replacing surgical skills, said Dr. Nichols. Rather, this technology provides a smarter “roadmap” for executing patient surgeries with both consistency and confidence, every single time.

“The more precise we are, the better the surgery outcomes will be,” she said. “We care so much about providing the best outcomes possible for our patients.”

Freeman NeuroSpine provides skilled, multidisciplinary care for the treatment of head, neck, and spine disorders and injuries. Freeman’s board-certified physicians use the most advanced techniques to provide diagnosis and treatment for many conditions. Call 417.347.7200 for more information.