Robots to make treatment for collapsed vertebrae safer with less X‑ray
A Multi-robot System for Semi-automated Image-guided Vertebral Augmentation
This project builds compact robots, image-guided software, and mixed-reality tools to help doctors treat painful collapsed vertebrae more safely, with less X‑ray exposure, and better results for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308253 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When a vertebra collapses and causes severe pain, doctors can use vertebral augmentation (VA) to stabilize the bone and relieve pain; this project focuses on making that procedure safer and more effective. The team will develop small, tool-mounted robots that work with X‑ray images and new algorithms to plan and guide the procedure automatically. They will also create closed-loop control systems and mixed-reality interfaces so clinicians can remotely actuate and verify robot actions. The goal is a more affordable, outpatient-friendly robotic solution that reduces radiation exposure, lowers complication rates, and allows advanced curved-instrument techniques.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with painful vertebral compression fractures—due to osteoporosis or cancer—who are candidates for vertebral augmentation would be the ideal participants or eventual beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People whose back pain is not caused by vertebral compression fractures or who are not eligible for vertebral augmentation (for example due to active infection or bleeding risks) are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce X‑ray exposure, lower complication rates, and improve pain relief and function after vertebral augmentation.
How similar studies have performed: Vertebral augmentation is an established pain-relief procedure and robotic guidance has aided other spine surgeries, but this compact, tool-mounted robotic approach for VA is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Unberath, Mathias — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Unberath, Mathias
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.