Stanford Neurospine Research and Innovation

The Stanford Neurospine research program seeks to discover better treatments for all spine patients. Our researchers are investigating spinal cord development, injury, and regeneration, as well as implants to improve the lives of patients with spinal cord injury and ways to improve clinical outcomes in spine surgery. We work collaboratively with basic scientists, statisticians, and other academic researchers from throughout the Stanford community and beyond. The close relationship between our clinical and research efforts, with some individuals contributing directly to both, helps Stanford Neurospine to propel advances in spine research from our laboratory benches to our patients’ bedsides.

Research Programs

Clinical Trials


Virtual Reality

We are now using patient-specific, 3-D virtual reality technology to train our doctors, prepare for surgery, and educate our patients. Our Neurosurgical Simulation and Virtual Reality Center, along with our Neurosurgical Anatomy Lab and 3-D printing capabilities, give us unique advantages - from clinic consultation to preoperative planning to intraoperative navigation.

3-D Printing

In addition to using VR technology to reconstruct 3-D images, the Stanford Department of Neurosurgery is also using 3-D printing to better understand individuals' spine injuries, tumors, deformities, and more. Using 3-D models helps our surgeons see things they may not otherwise see when using a 2-D image on a screen, better preparing them for a surgery. Additionally, by bringing an image to life with a 3-D model, patients can view their own unique anatomy, and make more informed decisions about their treatment options.