GREENFIELD, Ind. -- GPS-like maps are helping spine surgeons take some of the guesswork out of tricky procedures.

GPS is often used to help motorists plan routes to avoid wasting gas and time. The navigational system for spine surgery works on those same principals, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

Fixing Gary Stouder's debilitating back pain was going to be a big ordeal. The 56-year-old physician from Greenfield had two degenerative discs and had put off surgery because he knew there was a reasonable chance that it wouldn't help.

Fixing the problem required two operations in one -- receiving cadaver bone grafts through an incision in the abdomen and then securing them with screws with an incision in his back.

"The outcome of this probably depends greatly on whether they get everything in the right place," Stouder said.

When he learned of navigational technology that promises precision, Stouter decided to go for the surgery.

Dr. Rick Sasso said the sophisticated tracking system takes out the guesswork.

The navigation works with an antenna hammered into the pelvis and mapping software that keeps a virtual eye on the patient's spine.

"We know exactly where to make our incisions and we know exactly where to put our screws," Sasso said. "If we can decrease the amount of time an operation takes, we decrease an enormous amount of complications, including infections and the possibility of anesthesia complications."

Stouder's surgery was six weeks ago, and he feels pretty good.

"I'm up to walking two to three miles a day, lifting weights and back to work. I actually went back to work in four weeks," Stouder said.

While the pain in Stouder's back has subsided, he's still on the mend. Complete healing takes about six months.