Your Impact: "Setting the Table" for Better Spinal Surgeries
Published Monday, June 8, 2026
Thanks to your support, spinal surgery teams now have a new Jackson operating table. Pictured (left to right): Dr. Travis Marion, Rhanda Doran, and Chantal Hargreaves.
Spinal surgeries are… delicate.
All surgeries are, of course, but operating on the spine requires precision within millimetres or less. That's why it's important that surgeons have the right tools to perform surgery safely.
One of those tools is the Jackson table, a specialized operating table used for spinal surgery. However, the previous table was nearing end of life and needed to be replaced.
You helped bring a new Jackson table to our Hospital to improve outcomes and safety for patients, thanks to your donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, your participation at Foundation events, and your purchase of Thunder Bay 50/50 tickets.
“Like any medical equipment, Jackson tables have a certain lifespan before the materials fatigue,” said Dr. Travis Marion, a spinal surgeon at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “In addition, some of the functions have improved on the newer models such as our ability to position patients and our ability to apply image guidance more effectively during surgery.”
Image-guided surgery is particularly important when precision counts most. Surgeons rely upon a system called spinal navigation that uses low-dose X-ray imaging to produce 3D images on large monitors in real time. This helps guide surgeons to the site and allows them to see more clearly when performing delicate procedures including inserting screws in exact locations.
“Spinal navigation allows us to increase the accuracy of our placement of screws and other medical devices needed within the spine,” he said.
Although the previous table was made of a radiotranslucent material that let X-rays through, the table structure was supported with steel. This could cause “shadows” on the image, partially blocking the surgeon's view in some cases. The new table is completely radiotranslucent allowing full view of the entire body without adjustments.
Positioning is also important from a patient safety perspective. Patients with a head, neck, or spinal injury need to be immobilized or moved very carefully.
“We're always cautious when it comes to moving patients with spine, head, and neck injuries,” Dr. Marion said. “Being able to more finely tune the patient's position is crucial for both patient safety and outcomes. The new Jackson gives us even more control over head and neck placement. It gives us extra safety features for positioning and immobilizing the patient.”
Thanks to your support of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, spinal surgeons now have a new Jackson operating table for better, safer outcomes. Your donations improve patient care at our Hospital every day! See other success stories like this at: healthsciencesfoundation.ca/news
Article by Graham Strong