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Spinal research is growing in importance because spine ailments are becoming a larger health problem as more people live longer. However, spine research is limited, due to the low availability of cadaver spines as well as the short time frame for research on a sample spine, due to deterioration of the soft tissue.
In 2003, KU researchers in Mechanical Engineering initiated collaborations with a small U.S. company specializing in medical products. Their project was to build a synthetic analogue lumbar spine model that would mimic the human spine. This device would allow medical researchers to better test and evaluate surgical procedures and the use of spinal implants.
A collaborative relationship developed between the company and KU that led to multi-year projects. The KU team of faculty and graduate students incorporated new composite materials, sensors, and engineering modeling and design techniques to create a physical model that generated clinically relevant test parameters.
Research results were published in 2006. The KU research helped the company win a collaborative Phase I, NIH SBIR award in 2006. The company and KU submitted a Phase II application in spring 2007. The KU researcher filed invention disclosures and a patent prosecution strategy is being evaluated. The research is expected to help the company launch a new product in 2007, with more products in the pipeline with Phase II research.
To explore possible collaboration with KU, please contact:
Carey Novak
Director | Business Relations and Development
KU Center for Research, Inc.
The University of Kansas
2385 Irving Hill Rd.
Lawrence, KS 66045-7563
785-864-9004 | cnovak@ku.edu
1-877-865-9932
785-864-5272 fax
