UPMC is a leader in spine care and research. Our history of innovation means you have access to some of the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options close to home.
UPMC participates in clinical research for promising new treatments and other studies that help to advance our understanding of spinal disorders. Our current research includes the following:
A partnership between the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Ferguson Laboratory is engaged in research to understand the biology behind intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and develop biological, biomechanical, and cell-based therapies for IDD.
Learn more about the Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research.
You can volunteer to participate in current or future studies by enrolling in our research registry.
The LB3P: Low Back Pain Research Study examines the biological, biomechanical, and behavioral aspects of chronic back pain. Its goal is to characterize people with different types of low back pain and develop targeted treatments to meet individual needs.
Learn more about the LB3P: Low Back Pain Research Study.
The Spinal Cord Stimulation Laboratory studies how electrical stimulation affects spinal nerves. It participates in clinical trials of new implantable technologies and examines how they improve motor and sensory functions in people with arm and hand paralysis from stroke, spinal cord injury, or motoneuron disease.
Learn more about the Spinal Cord Stimulation Laboratory.
The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute combines research in neurosurgery, biomedical engineering, physiatry, and pain management to better understand complex spinal disorders. These include degenerative spine disease, spinal cord injury, and spinal deformities.
Learn more about the Spinal Computational Outcomes Learning Institute.
Access to the newest clinical trials at premier academic medical centers is key to providing you with innovative spine care.
Our spine experts lead trials as national principal investigators in multi-institutional studies. These studies bring tomorrow's treatments to UPMC — and you — today.
If you are thinking of taking part in a study, be sure to:
Remember, your participation in a clinical trial is voluntary. You may stop taking part in a trial at any time.
UPMC has a long history of diagnosing and treating people with a wide range of spinal disorders. Our commitment to scientific discovery has helped our team develop a strong reputation for research excellence and the delivery of breakthrough treatments.
When you choose UPMC, you may have the option to participate in advanced spine clinical trials and studies not offered elsewhere, giving you earlier access to novel treatments.
