Research

Donald Whiting MD, Boyle C. Cheng PhD, Jack Wilberger MD and Daniel Cook

The Neurosurgery Spine & Biomechanics Research Laboratory houses state-of-the-art spine testing equipment including a multiaxial spine testing machine and an opto-electronic tracking system. With participation from both research scientists and physicians, the research conducted in the lab is focused on clinically relevant projects. The spinal research focus involves studies related to spine biomechanics, comparison of normal and pathologic tissues, as well as traditional and advanced spinal treatments. Moreover, applying the techniques from the lab to the clinical setting is of the utmost importance. Spinal diagnostics, intra-operative care, and post operative transitional patient management are active areas of research interest. In addition, medical education is a high priority function of the facility. Undergraduate, graduate, medical students, residents and research fellows assist in research projects and also have the opportunity to pursue personal areas of interest. Lab participants including residents and fellows are encouraged to design studies based on their own clinical interests with staff support for independent research projects.

Research Focus

• Spinal Implant Evaluation
• Verification and validation of spine biomechanics test protocols
• Development of noninvasive, model-based analysis of lumbar and cervical facet behavior