The Spine Team at the University of Utah Orthopaedic Center is committed to developing innovative techniques to diagnose, treat, and manage spinal disorders. Our active research mission allows patients unparalleled access to clinical trials, and cutting edge treatments for both traumatic and degenerative conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
Professor and Department of Orthopaedics Vice-Chair Darrel S. Brodke, MD; Associate Professor Brandon Lawrence, MD; and Assistant Professors William Ryan Spiker, MD and Nicholas Spina, MD lead a strong clinical spine research group that collaborates closely with a skilled network of researchers, staff, and volunteers. The Spine service also maintains a large network of collaborators. Together with the Utah Population Database, our Spine leaders explore the role of genetics in determining cervical spinal disorders. The team also works with the Department of Orthopaedics Gait Analysis Lab in analyzing how the alignment of the pelvis and spine change with movement. Further collaborations with external non-profit foundations to help to expand the study of spinal cord injuries, cervical myelopathy, and other degenerative spinal disorders.
The team is committed to the thoughtful use of new technologies and treatments, and to providing patients with the best possible care, and maintains a broad range of research foci, including spinal biomechanics, the utilization of patient reported outcomes throughout patient care, spinal imaging techniques, the role of genetics in common spinal conditions, and improving fusion technologies through stem cell research.