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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 distracted 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 that conforms to the cavity and occupies minimal space while maintaining a high contact surface area with the vertebrae.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Doug Ciha, Catharine Moran, Taylor Lamberty, Myranda Schmitt, Spencer Strand
Team members from left to right: Doug Ciha, Catharine Moran, Taylor Lamberty, Myranda Schmitt, Spencer Strand

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Contact Information

Team Members

  • Taylor Lamberty - Team Leader
  • Catharine Moran - Communicator
  • Douglas Ciha - BSAC
  • Myranda Schmitt - BWIG
  • Spencer Strand - BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Dr. Willis Tompkins - Advisor
  • Dr. Nathaniel Brooks - Client

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