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Expandable bone graft

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Project Overview

Dr. Nathaniel Brooks, of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the UW Hospital, requires a device to be used during posterior lumbar interbody fusion that will sufficiently distract two lumbar vertebrae and provide an osteogenic environment suitable for proper spinal fusion. In current practice, the desired disc material is removed, a mechanical ‘car-jack’ system of rods and screws is used to separate the vertebrae, and a titanium cage with surrounding bone material is inserted into the vertebral space. While able to withstand the internal forces of the spine, this method has substantial drawbacks. Some of these include an increased risk for nerve damage, the need for a large incision, and the potential loosening of the titanium cage over time, which can lead to additional surgery and patient discomfort. This semester’s work is to develop an expandable device that can be inserted through a small incision in order to effectively distract the vertebrae and promote osteogenesis.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Sarah Dicker, Brendan Drackley, Alexandria Craig, Samantha Bremner (not pictured due to class, Reed Bjork)
Team members from left to right: Sarah Dicker, Brendan Drackley, Alexandria Craig, Samantha Bremner (not pictured due to class, Reed Bjork)

Image

Team Members from left to right: Reed Bjork, Samantha Bremner, Brendan Drackley, Alexandria Craig, Sarah Dicker
Team Members from left to right: Reed Bjork, Samantha Bremner, Brendan Drackley, Alexandria Craig, Sarah Dicker

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Reed Bjork - Team Leader
  • Alexandria Craig - Communicator
  • Brendan Drackley - BSAC
  • Sarah Dicker - BWIG
  • Samantha Bremner - BPAG

Advisor and Client

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

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