VSI Sets New Milestone with Successful Prone Lateral Spine Surgery

Reston, VA — June 26, 2023 — Virginia Spine Institute, a leading medical facility specializing in spine surgery, proudly announces the completion of its first-ever prone lateral spine surgery. Led by renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. William Kemp, this groundbreaking procedure exemplifies the ongoing advancements in modern medicine, making spine surgery safer, more efficient, and easier to recover from than ever before.

While Anterior and Posterior approaches have traditionally been employed, the prone lateral technique revolutionizes the operating room environment. By implementing this innovative method, spine surgeons can now operate more efficiently, streamlining the surgical process and enhancing patient outcomes. The technique involves placing the patient in a single position, ensuring optimal visualization and direct access for the surgeon throughout the entire procedure, eliminating the need for time-consuming patient repositioning.

One of the most significant benefits of the prone lateral approach is its ability to dramatically reduce operating time. By performing the entire procedure with the patient in a single position, surgeons like Dr. Kemp can complete surgeries in half the time it would typically take, ultimately leading to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times for patients.

“History in the Making: Virginia Spine Institute Performs its First Prone Lateral Spine Surgery” showcases the pioneering nature of this breakthrough technique. By empowering surgeons to operate with increased efficiency, the prone lateral approach is set to revolutionize the field of spine surgery.

Dr. William Kemp, an accomplished and experienced Neurosurgeon, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the milestone achieved. “Performing our first prone lateral spine surgery is a testament to the continuous progress in our field. This technique not only enhances surgical outcomes but also ensures a more comfortable and expedited recovery for our patients. We are proud to be at the forefront of this medical breakthrough.”

Not only does the prone lateral technique signify a major step forward in surgical advancements, but it also offers tangible benefits to patients. By reducing operating room time, patients can expect a faster recovery and spend less time in the hospital, ultimately improving their overall experience and quality of life.

Virginia Spine Institute’s successful completion of its first prone lateral spine surgery reaffirms its commitment to providing state-of-the-art medical care and leading the way in innovative surgical techniques. The institute remains dedicated to advancing patient outcomes and revolutionizing the field of spine surgery through ongoing research and development.


Dr. William Kemp is a fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon at Virginia Spine Institute. As a minimally invasive and complex spine neurosurgeon, Dr. Kemp takes pride in utilizing his extensive knowledge of the nervous system to find answers for his patients and provide operative and non-operative solutions to help them reach their goals. His genuine passion for helping others drives a commitment to the highest standard of care and helps patients get back to enjoying life. 

Learn more about Dr. Kemp.

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