Alumnus develops new orthopedic surgical instruments
Dr. Philip Downer (Class of 1995) has investigated a novel procedure in spine surgery, including developing prototype surgical instruments which are now being produced by a European company.
Dr. Downer is taking orthopedic postgraduate training at McGill University, and has completed a year at the Orthopedic Research Lab. "This was not a routine period of training, but one I chose to do as I felt I needed to dedicate concentrated time doing basic science research," he explained.
His primary study was on local bone graft harvest in anterior spine surgery. "The basic premise of the study was to develop and investigate a novel procedure in spine surgery. We developed surgical instruments based on morphologic data, tested them in a cadaveric model, and investigated the biomechanical implications of the procedure."
The procedure turned out to be both feasible and practical, and the prototype tools are now being used as a model for the development of actual surgical instruments. Testing the procedure on human subjects will begin early this year.
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| These instruments were developed by Dr. Downer as part of the experimental work he carried out as a student at McGill University's Orthopedic Research Laboratory. They allow a small amount of bone to be harvested as a cylindrical plug from the anterior vertebral body adjacent to the fusion during spine surgery |
Dr. Downer's work was carried out under the supervision of Drs. M Aebi and T. Steffen. He presented his findings in early February at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and this June he will be in St. John's to give a similar presentation to the Canadian Orthopedic Association.
"My year of research was very rewarding," said Dr. Downer. "It gave me the basic tools necessary to carry out quality basic science research, which I am interested in continuing for the rest of my career. It also opened my eyes to many other aspects of the medical field, such as product development and everything associated with developing an idea from the bench to the bedside."
Following his residency at McGill, Dr. Downer hopes to complete further studies in hip surgery.
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