Identifying molecular phenotype of nucleus pulposus cells in human intervertebral disc with aging and degeneration.

1. Current research includes investigation of biomechanical aspects of cervical injury with head impact. This involves cadaveric work with high-speed photography and load cells to ascertain the mechanism for spinal fractures.
   
   2. An animal model is being used to evaluate the biomechanics of cervical laminectomy versus laminoplasty compared to the normal spine. A portion of the animals are developing myelopathy secondary to instability after the surgical procedure and this is being evaluated with MRI scanning as well as mechanical and radiographic testing.
   
   
   3. Studies are being performed to develop an impedance pedicle probe to aid safe insertion of pedicular instrumentation in the lumbar spine. Ongoing studies are being performed to define the optimal frequency for the probe to yield the most sensitive and specific device. Hopefully this will lead to development of a device for human use. Studies will compare impedance probe to currently used EMG techniques to see if combing them will lead to greater sensitivity and specificity.
   
   4. Studies are being completed on testing particular pull-out strength and doing a multi-varied analysis looking at size of the pedicle and bone density by two different techniques.
   
   5. Current work is ongoing to develop an outcomes instrument and database to be used in the outpatient setting for patients with spinal complaints, both cervical and lumbar. The device will be used to evaluate clinical effectiveness for a variety of treatments for spinal conditions and to look at patient satisfaction issues.

My research interest center around limb lengthening and external fixation. Much is known about the biology of distraction osteogenesis. However, little is known about the effects on the soft tissues with limb lengthening techniques. In a dog model, we are investigating the effects of limb lengthening on muscle function, analizing amount of muscle lengthened per segment of bone lengthening, contractility, and strength. We also hope to begin studies assessing the effects of non steroidal anti-inflammatories on the quality of bone regenerate formed with distraction osteogenesis.

As an orthopaedic specialist and spine surgeon, I am committed to providing the best possible outcome for my patients with the least invasive surgery possible. I treat patients using the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques. Among the conditions I see in my patients are cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, and traumatic spine injuries. Among the procedures I perform are complex cervical reconstruction, disc replacement surgery, minimally invasive scoliosis surgery, motion preservation spine surgery, and metastatic and tumor surgery.

I am a spine surgeon who provides surgical management of cervical, thoracic  and lumbar spine conditions, including cervical myelopathy, herniated discs, deformity, stenosis, tumor and trauma.  I provide both minimally invasive procedures as well as traditional surgical techniques.