Welcome
Orthopedic Spine Associates is committed to ongoing research and actively participates in the evaluation of emerging medical devices and surgical techniques. We work to balance the latest techniques and technology — including access to ground-breaking clinical trial procedures — with the very best in patient care.
What Are Clinical Trials?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines a clinical trial as any research study in which human volunteers are needed to answer specific health questions. Orthopedic Spine Associates participates in clinical trials for new treatments and devices that are currently under study to be approved for wider use. Trials are conducted under controlled environments to determine if the new device or treatment is safe and effective. They are supervised by the FDA and the Institutional Research Board. For more information, see More About Our Research.
Research findings are reported to coordinating organizations, and summarized in publications and presentations to other physicians and health care professionals with the goal of improving patient care and the body of medical knowledge.
Participation in clinical trials is entirely voluntary. Participants are sometimes able to get treatment for conditions that were historically untreatable, or gain access to treatments before they are widely available. Many participants also enjoy helping others by advancing medical research.
About Our Current Clinical Trials
The following are clinical trials Orthopedic Spine Associates is currently participating in:
NeoDisc
NeoDisc is a nucleus-like replacement device designed to preserve motion in the cervical region of the spine and fills the gap between pre-surgical treatment and total disc replacement or spinal fusion. The procedure being tested involves removing the diseased disc and replacing it with the artificial disc.
TOPS™ System
The TOPS™ System is an alternative to spinal fusion that is designed to stabilize, but not fuse, the affected vertebrae to alleviate pain stemming from moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis, while maintaining range of motion.
Wallis Normalization System
The Wallis Normalization System is a non-fusion, spinal stabilization device. The Wallis System is designed to treat the pain caused by degenerative disc disease by stabilizing the lumbar spine without a fusion procedure.
NuCore™
NuCore™ is an injectable nucleus for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. The injected material fills the void created when herniated nuclear material is surgically removed from the disc. The goal of the procedure is to supplement the remaining natural nucleus and in so doing, restore the normal biomechanics of the disc.
How to Qualify for Clinical Trials
A clinical trial isn't appropriate for everyone. Each trial requires participants with specific conditions and patient profiles. If you think you would benefit from one of our clinical trials and are interested in participating in a research study, contact our office at (541) 393-0100 for information about being evaluated for the trial.
Media representatives interested in our clinical trials should visit our Media Contacts section.