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Our Research

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Our Research

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Degenerative Spine Disease

We investigate the biological and biomechanical mechanisms underlying degenerative spine conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. Our team is pioneering novel surgical techniques, implant technologies, and value-based care strategies to enhance function and reduce disability in aging and active populations alike. 

Spinal Infections

Our research in spinal infections focuses on improving early detection, optimizing antimicrobial therapies, and refining surgical interventions for complex cases such as vertebral osteomyelitis and spinal hardware infections. We collaborate closely with infectious disease specialists to guide evidence-based protocols and reduce complication rates.

Spine Oncology

Our spine tumor research encompasses both primary and metastatic disease. Our studies explore tumor biology, surgical innovation, radiation synergy, and quality-of-life outcomes to help shape the future of care for patients with spinal cancer. 

Spine Trauma

Our trauma research aims to improve the management of spinal fractures, spinal cord injuries, and polytrauma. We lead efforts in surgical stabilization, neuroprotective strategies, and long-term functional recovery, often in collaboration with trauma surgery, and rehabilitation medicine.

Spine Epidemiology

We apply population-based and health services research methods to better understand the burden, disparities, and outcomes associated with spinal disorders. Our epidemiologic work helps inform policy, optimize care pathways, and identify risk factors that shape both individual outcomes and system-level performance.

Spine Implants and Technology

Our team is advancing the design, testing, and implementation of next-generation spinal implants and surgical technologies. We study implant biomechanics, material science, motion preservation, and image-guided navigation. Through industry partnerships and in-house innovation, we are redefining safety, precision, and long-term outcomes in spinal instrumentation.

Innovation and Impact

Across all domains, our research team is committed to data-driven care, personalized medicine, and surgical excellence. Our work is supported by NIH funding, foundation grants, industry partnerships, and active engagement in multicenter trials. Through rigorous investigation and training of future clinician-scientists, we continue to lead the way in advancing spine surgery research at both national and international levels.

  • Current Grants
    • Axis Spine Technologies
    • Biomechanical Engineering PI Robert Bowles - NIH R01 grant 5R01AR083990-02 (Lawrence)
    • LSP Three level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion backed up with posterior cervical fixation: A biomechanical study examining construct stability using varied lateral mass screw density (Spina)
  • 2025
    • Does Pelvic Screw Loosening in Multi-Level Lumbopelvic Fusion Impact Patient Outcomes? A Retrospective Cohort Study. McDonald CL, Clapp IM, Schmirler J, Gerlach EB, Brodke DS, Spiker WR, Karamian BA, Lawrence BD, Spina NA. AO Spine North America Fellows Course. Banff, CA. March 2025
    • How do clinical outcomes of revision lumbar fusion Paper 27 for adjacent segment disease compare to primary lumbar fusion? A propensity matched cohort analysis LSRS Annual Meeting. Brodke DS, Spiker WR, Karamian BA, Lawrence BD, Spina NA Chicago, IL. 2025
    • Value in the Age of Outcomes: Where We Are and Where We Are Going. Meeting Presentation. Orthopedic Value-Based Care 9th Annual Conference. Brodke DS Dana Point CA. 2025
    • Outcomes: Improving Provider and Patient Engagement and Managing CMS Mandates. Meeting Presentation. Orthopedic Value-Based Care 9th Annual Conference. Brodke DS Dana Point CA. 2025
    • Orthopaedics State of the Department. CHIPS Leadership Meeting. University of Utah. Brodke DS Salt Lake City, UT. 2025
    • Leadership: Thoughts on Why and How. Moe Visiting Professor Symposium. Twin Cities Spine Institute. Brodke DS Minneapolis, MN. 2025
    • The Management of Complex Cervical Deformity, Moe Visiting Professor Symposium. Twin Cities Spine Institute. Brodke DS Minneapolis, MN. 2025
    • Value and PROMIS in the Age of Outcomes. Grand Rounds Presentation. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brodke DS Chapel Hill, NC. 2025
    • Tech Focus on Expandables: Pros, Cons, and are They Still Relevant? Lawrence BD ICL Instructional Course, LSRS Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL. May 2025   
    • ICL Course: Complications: How Common are they, and How to Talk to Patients About Them. LSRS Annual Meeting. Spina NA Chicago, IL. 2025
    • Facet Replacement/Total Joint Replacement (MOTUS)? NASS Evidence and Technology Spine Summit. Spina NA Olympic Valley, CA. Feb 2025
    • Open Decompression and Fusion +/- Interbody. NASS Evidence and Technology Spine Summit.Spina NA  Olympic Valley, CA. Feb 2025
    • Surgical Session: Endoscopic Fusions: Indication, Case Selection, and Limitation? NASS Evidence and Technology Spine Summit. Spina NA Olympic Valley, CA. Feb 2025
    • An International Prospective Multicenter Study of Paper 30 Bracing vs No Bracing for the Nonoperative Management of A3/A4 Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures. LSRS Annual Meeting. Karamian BA Chicago, IL. May 2025
    • Can These Non-Operative Tolls Aid in the Prognosis when Lumbar Fusion is Performed? NASS Evidence and Technology Spine Summit. Karamian BA Olympic Valley, CA. Feb 2025
    • Fenestrated Screws: Operative Treatment Strategies in the Osteoporotic Patient. NASS Evidence and Technology Spine Summit. Karamian BA  Olympic Valley, CA. Feb 2025
    • Patient-Specific Planning Platform and Implants for Spine Surgery: What’s the Value and Cost?  NASS Evidence and Technology Spine Summit. Karamian BA Olympic Valley, CA. Feb 2025

Dedicated spine research fellowships and structured mentorship programs for residents, medical students, and trainees:

Orthopaedics Fellowships
One-Year Research Fellowships
Medical Student Summer Research Traineeship