Research at Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute

Name: Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute
Rating: 4.4

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, our commitment to advancing spine care extends beyond clinical practice into the realm of research. Led by Dr. Michael Gerling, our research is focused on improving patient outcomes through innovative treatments and the development of cutting-edge technologies. We aim to drive the future of spine health through groundbreaking studies in minimally invasive spine surgery, regenerative medicine, and other advanced spine care techniques.

Our Research Focus Areas

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Dr. Michael Gerling has been at the forefront of pioneering minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. His research continues to focus on improving surgical outcomes while minimizing recovery time and surgical complications. The goal is to advance techniques such as endoscopic spine surgery, spinal fusions, and discectomies to enhance patient quality of life.

Regenerative Medicine and Spine Restoration

Dr. Zorica Buser leads research in the field of regenerative medicine, specifically focusing on bone and intervertebral disc regeneration. Her work involves investigating the effectiveness of biologic treatments such as stem cells, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), and other novel therapies to restore spinal health.

Cost-Effectiveness and Medical Device Trends

We examine the cost-effectiveness of various spine treatments, comparing traditional surgical techniques to more innovative solutions, and evaluate the impact of new medical devices and technologies in improving patient outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We are exploring artificial intelligence to revolutionize spine care. Our research integrates AI-driven technologies to enhance diagnostics, optimize treatment planning, and predict outcomes. By leveraging machine learning and data analytics, we aim to improve surgical precision, personalize treatments, and advance patient care in minimally invasive spine surgery and regenerative medicine.

Notable Research Projects

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Techniques: Research focusing on the outcomes of minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures versus traditional methods, evaluating success rates, complication rates, and patient recovery time.
Regenerative Medicine for Disc Degeneration: Our team is pioneering studies on regenerative medicine for the treatment of spinal disc degeneration, utilizing cutting-edge biologic approaches to repair or regenerate damaged spinal discs.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Dr. Gerling’s research continues to evaluate the long-term effects of endoscopic spine surgery, looking at complications, recovery times, and success rates compared to traditional spinal surgeries.

Key Collaborations & Partnerships

Our research efforts are strengthened through partnerships with leading academic institutions and scientific communities worldwide:

New York University (NYU) – Collaboration with the Grossman School of Medicine and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery to further the understanding of spine disorders and treatments.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – Partnership with the Biomedical Engineering Department to develop medical devices that aid in spine surgery and patient recovery.
AO Spine & North American Spine Society (NASS) – Engagement in clinical research through leadership roles within these prominent spine organizations.

Published Works and Academic Contributions

Dr. Michael Gerling, with insights from Dr. Zorica Buser, has co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed journal articles, including work in top medical journals such as Spine, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, and The Journal of Orthopedic Research. Their contributions to the field include:

Over 190 peer-reviewed articles
10+ book chapters
230+ podium and poster presentations at spine and orthopedic meetings across the globe

These works reflect our commitment to sharing our knowledge and insights with the broader medical and scientific community to continue improving spine care.

Ongoing and Upcoming Research Initiatives

Investigating the Efficacy of Osteobiologics in Spine Disorders

The Gerling team, with guidance from Zorica Buser, PhD, is conducting pivotal research on regenerative approaches using osteobiologics for the treatment of lumbar spine degenerative conditions, including how biologic factors can improve patient outcomes and slow the progression of degenerative spine diseases.

Biomechanics of Spinal Disc Regeneration

A comprehensive study investigating how different regenerative treatments impact spinal disc biomechanics, aimed at improving treatment protocols for patients with degenerative disc disease.

Advanced Surgical Techniques and Robotics

As part of Dr. Gerling’s ongoing commitment to pioneering spine surgery techniques, research in robotic-assisted spinal surgery and its integration with minimally invasive procedures will continue to evolve and improve patient care.

Publications

To explore our publications and contributions to the scientific community, visit our Publications page, where we highlight our extensive body of research and literature in the field of spine care.

Collaborative Research & Clinical Trials

As part of our ongoing effort to drive the future of spine care, we are continuously involved in clinical trials and collaborative research projects. We invite patients, healthcare providers, and researchers to join us in advancing the science of spine surgery and treatment through clinical trials.