The Spinal Surgical Outcomes and Biomechanics Laboratory

The Spinal Column Surgical Outcomes Laboratory aims to improve the neurological outcomes and functional capacity of patients undergoing spinal surgery.

illustration of the upper spine and skull with surgical appliance

The laboratory collects large-scale retrospective patient databases and prospective patient registries to report high-quality data relating to the outcomes of neurosurgical operations and participates in the National Neurosurgical Quality and Outcomes Database (N2QOD). This multi-institutional collaboration has set forth a three-year prospective study to benchmark quality and surgical outcomes measures across several academic institutions.

The laboratory specializes in:

  • Biostatistical analysis of large-scale clinical databases.
  • Outcomes studies of traditional and novel spinal procedures.
  • Quality control and cost-effectiveness research.
  • Clinical trials relating to spinal surgery outcomes.

Director

Ali Bydon, M.D.

  • Vice Chair of Strategic Planning
  • Director of Spinal Outcomes and Biomechanics Laboratory
  • Co-Director, Neurosurgery Medical Student Education
  • Professor of Neurosurgery

Education and Training Opportunities

Postgraduate and Resident Training

We currently have positions available for highly qualified residents or postgraduate students interested in spinal surgical outcomes research. Positions are open to M.P.H. or Ph.D. students interested in application of biostatistical models to surgical outcomes research. Interested applicants should have a preexisting understanding of spinal pathologies, interpretation of CT and MR imaging, and a strong desire to participate in projects aimed at improving the understanding of complex spinal reconstruction for the treatment of spinal disorders.

Medical Student Training

We currently have positions available for medical students interested in spinal surgery clinical outcomes research. Ongoing research projects are available at the Spinal Column Surgical Outcomes Laboratory located in the Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory. Candidates should have a strong desire to participate in projects aimed at improving the understanding of complex spinal reconstruction for the treatment of spinal disorders.

Our Funding

Our research is supported by generous donors like you. Learn how to donate if you are interested in supporting our research program.

Publications and Media

Ali Bydon is the director of the Spinal Column Biomechanics and Surgical Outcomes Laboratories within the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurosurgery. Along with his team of scientists and clinicians, Dr. Bydon conducts revolutionary applied and translational research in diseases of the spinal column. You can read his published abstracts through PubMed, a service provided by the United States National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health.

Videos

Surgical Approaches to Treat Spinal Synovial Cysts

Dr. Ali Bydon Performs A Spinal Synovial Cyst Resection

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Intradural Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery and Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery