SCOLI

SCOLI

SCOLI Students Secure 2nd Place in Pitt’s Big Idea Competition with Innovative Spinal Implant Technology

2 minutes
SCOLI Students Ben Carnovale (left) and
Will Rabon (right) awarded $15,000 for their Big Idea involving spine surgery.

We are pleased to announce that Ben Carnovale and Will Rabon, two marticulating medical students from our program, have been awarded second place in the University of Pittsburgh’s prestigious Big Idea Competition, receiving $15,000 for their Big Idea. Their groundbreaking project addresses one of the most significant challenges in neurosurgical and orthopedic medicine: the recovery process following spinal surgery.

Addressing a Critical Healthcare Challenge

Spine surgeries are common procedures performed on thousands of patients annually. However, these interventions often result in extended and painful recovery periods. Despite technological advancements in surgical techniques, patients frequently encounter complications such as failed healing and significant postoperative pain.

An Innovative Solution

In collaboration with Amir Alavi, PhD, Carnovale and Rabon are developing revolutionary spinal implants utilizing meta-tribomaterials. These advanced materials represent a significant departure from conventional implants in several key aspects:

  • The implants are 3D-printable, allowing for customization to individual patient anatomy
  • Unlike traditional materials, these meta-tribomaterials have properties that are computationally designed rather than inherent
  • This design approach enables precise control over the implant’s behavior, significantly improving patient specificity

Research Impact and Future Directions

The research team is actively exploring how these advanced implants can improve bone fusion rates and address common surgical challenges. Their approach represents a paradigm shift in spinal implant technology, moving from passive mechanical support to active therapeutic intervention.

The second-place finish in Pitt’s Big Idea Competition provides valuable recognition and support for this promising research direction. We congratulate Ben Carnovale and Will Rabon on this significant achievement and look forward to the potential clinical impact of their innovative work.

All members responsible for this fantastic win: Ben Carnovale, William Rabon, Jianzhe Luo, Yashar Aucie, Amir Alavi, D. Kojo Hamilton, Nitin Agarwal

The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute at the University of Pittsburgh drives breakthroughs in neurosurgical care through pioneering research and cross-disciplinary innovation, while UPMC combines clinical excellence with this groundbreaking research to transform lives. The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building diverse teams that advance neurological care for all patients.