Neurosurgery Spinal Research Laboratory

Our Mission

The Spinal Research Laboratory is the world’s leading research lab dedicated to animal models of spinal conditions. Our goal is to improve care and surgical outcomes for patients with spinal problems. Using novel models and techniques, Daniel Sciubba, the laboratory’s director, and his collaborators have created new ways to study tumors of the spinal cord and spinal column, spinal paralysis and spinal fusion physiology. In addition, they consistently test spinal devices for effectiveness.

An Overview of Our Research

Location

The Spinal Research Laboratory is centered at the Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory in The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery. It is the headquarters for all aspects of spinal research generated from the department. It is also the center for basic and translational experiments and surgical operations on animals and cadavers.

Funding

Led by Daniel Sciubba, the laboratory has received annual funding from the National Institutes of Health and various foundations including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons(AANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the North American Spine Society, AO Spine, the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation and the AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves. Recently, the laboratory began relationships with industry, including companies Baxter and Stryker, focusing on testing the latest surgical technologies for safety and efficacy. In addition, private donations are accepted regularly to help fund various projects.

Our Researchers

Principal Investigator

Sciubba, Daniel Michael, M.D.

Professor of Neurosurgery
Professor of Oncology
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences
Director, Spine Tumor and Spine Deformity Surgery
Co-Director, Spinal Column Biomechanics and Surgical Outcomes
Director, Spine Research

 

Co-Investigators

Bydon, Ali, M.D.

Professor of Neurosurgery
Co-Director of Neurosurgery Medical Student Education
Director of Neurosurgery Undergraduate Student Education
Director of Spinal Outcomes and Biomechanics Laboratory
Clinical Director of Spine Program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

 

Theodore, Nicholas, M.D., M.S.

Professor of Neurosurgery
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Pediatrics
Director, Neurosurgical Spine Center

 

Witham, Timothy Francis, M.D.

Professor of Neurosurgery
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Director, the Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery Spinal Fusion Laboratory
Director, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center's Spine Program
Co-Program Director, Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery Residency Program

 

Research Team

• Betty Tyler (Research Faculty Member)
• Erick Westbroek (Resident)
• Camilo Molina (Resident)
• Zach Pennington (Medical Student)
• Karim Ahmed (Medical Student)

View a list of Spine Instructorship Program graduates.

Contact Information

For more information on clinical projects at the Johns Hopkins Spinal Research Laboratory, please call 410-502-6103.

Daniel Sciubba
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Department of Neurosurgery
Meyer Building, Room 7-109
600 N. Wolfe St.
Baltimore, MD 21287

Phone:

Our office phone number is 410-502-6103.

Request an Appointment

Maryland Patients

For more information on clinical projects at the Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery Spinal Research Lab, please call us at 410-502-6103.

Adult Neurology: 410-955-9441
Pediatric Neurology: 410-955-4259
Adult Neurosurgery: 410-955-6406
Pediatric Neurosurgery: 410-955-7337

Already a Patient?

Request your next appointment through MyChart!

 

Traveling for Care?

Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins.

Outside of Maryland (toll free)
410-464-6713
Request an Appointment
Medical Concierge Services

International Patients
+1-410-502-7683
Request an Appointment
Medical Concierge Services