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Inflatable vertebral body distractor

Project Overview

In some cases of spine surgery the intervertebral disc is removed and the vertebral bodies are distraction to help with alignment of the spine. This is often done with metal spatula shaped tools or with mechanical jacks. Both of these tools have two problems. One, they have a narrow surface area so they can easily fracture the bone with the distractive forces. Two, they work along a linear trajectory so they cannot be manipulated easily to different regions of the intervertebral space to allow working space for graft placement. The goal of this project would be to develop an inflatable vertebral body distractor.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Gabby Laures, Ryan Serbin, Bridget Smith, Christie Sorenson, Michael Lohr
Team members from left to right: Gabby Laures, Ryan Serbin, Bridget Smith, Christie Sorenson, Michael Lohr

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Contact Information

Team Members

  • Bridget Smith - Team Leader
  • Michael Lohr - Communicator
  • Gabrielle Laures - BSAC
  • Ryan Serbin - BWIG
  • Christina Sorenson - BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. William Murphy - Advisor
  • Dr. Nathaniel Brooks - Client

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