Latest research updates and insights from the Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute at University of Pittsburghhttps://scoli.org/en-usscoli@upmc.edu (Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute)scoli@upmc.edu (Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute)Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:39:41 GMTMedical ResearchNeurosurgerySpine Surgeryhttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/a-fortunate-fall-how-a-game-day-accident-led-to-a-life-saving-discovery/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/a-fortunate-fall-how-a-game-day-accident-led-to-a-life-saving-discovery/For 73-year-old Barbara from Verona, Pennsylvania, what began as a simple trip to watch her grandson's basketball game turned into an unexpected medical journey that likely saved her from paralysis.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/barbara.DwjIYoYs.webphttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/a-fortunate-fall-how-a-game-day-accident-led-to-a-life-saving-discovery/patient-storyspinal-tumorschwannomaspine-surgeryrecoveryUPMCSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/agarwal-co-edits-book-on-building-neurosurgical-teams/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/agarwal-co-edits-book-on-building-neurosurgical-teams/Nitin Agarwal, MD, associate professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery and director of the department's Minimally Invasive Spine and Robotics Surgery program, is co-editor of the new book Neurosurgery Fundamentals for Advanced Practice Providers, published by Thieme.Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/app_book.CdmJkVYi.avifhttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/agarwal-co-edits-book-on-building-neurosurgical-teams/publicationneurosurgery-fundamentalsadvanced-practice-providersteam-buildingeducationSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/avoiding-pitfalls-in-cervical-deformity-surgery/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/avoiding-pitfalls-in-cervical-deformity-surgery/SCOLI Co-Director Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton delivers an educational talk at the Seattle Science Foundation on preventing surgeon-created cervical deformities and understanding the complexities of cervical spine alignment.Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/oct9_post-1.DT7x7BpY.pnghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/avoiding-pitfalls-in-cervical-deformity-surgery/researcheducationcervical spineSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/bike-crash-to-remarkable-recovery-bob-keeleys-journey/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/bike-crash-to-remarkable-recovery-bob-keeleys-journey/At 57, Bob Keeley doesn't do anything halfway. But when a mountain biking accident left him with a broken neck, he had to find a new kind of strength — and the right medical team to help him get back to his active lifestyle.Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/bob-keeley.CRu3fvpG.pnghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/bike-crash-to-remarkable-recovery-bob-keeleys-journey/patient-storyspinal-injurysurgeryrecoveryneurosurgeryanterior-cervical-discectomy-fusionSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/bioforce-wins-pitt-wells-competition/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/bioforce-wins-pitt-wells-competition/The neurosurgery team BioForce Spine won the first-place award at the University of Pittsburgh's 2025 Wells Student HealthTech Challenge for their project designed to immobilize bone morphogenetic protein directly onto interbody fusion devices.Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/adida_wells_bioforce.jmCUT_nL.avifhttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/bioforce-wins-pitt-wells-competition/awardsresearchinnovationhealthtechSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/brain-and-blade-session-6-copy/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/brain-and-blade-session-6-copy/The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Neurosurgery Interest Group hosted an educational session on posterior cervical spine surgery with hands-on laboratory experience.Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/brain_blade.D8QHwT8g.pnghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/brain-and-blade-session-6-copy/educationSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/breakthrough-in-spinal-fusion-monitoring-university-of-pittsburgh-researchers-receive-nih-r21-award-for-revolutionary-metamaterial-technology/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/breakthrough-in-spinal-fusion-monitoring-university-of-pittsburgh-researchers-receive-nih-r21-award-for-revolutionary-metamaterial-technology/The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a prestigious NIH R21 exploratory/development grant totaling $414,000 over two years to develop groundbreaking wireless metamaterial technology for monitoring spinal fusion healing in real-time.Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTresearchfundingmetamaterialsspinal fusionNIHinnovationSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/building-resilience/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/building-resilience/Dr. Christopher Standaert shares strategies for managing scoliosis through balance, energy management, and adaptive living approaches at the Spine & Scoliosis Support Group.Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/christopher_standaert_md.CRZeg5fX.webphttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/building-resilience/support-groupscoliosispatient-carewellnessSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/csns-establishes-social-media-committee/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/csns-establishes-social-media-committee/The Council of State Neurosurgical Societies has officially established a Social Media Committee to enhance digital engagement and educational outreach in neurosurgery, representing a significant step in modernizing professional communication.Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTCSNSsocial-mediaeducationprofessional-developmentneurosurgerySpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/characterization-of-neurological-injuries-from-roller-coaster-rides-among-minors/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/characterization-of-neurological-injuries-from-roller-coaster-rides-among-minors/A comprehensive study of 20 years of data finds roller coaster injuries in children are rare, though pediatric anatomy makes minors more susceptible to neurological injury than adults.Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/newpub_rollercoaster.Pozuwy36.pnghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/characterization-of-neurological-injuries-from-roller-coaster-rides-among-minors/researchSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/derrick-allen/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/derrick-allen/After a traumatic spinal injury from a motor vehicle accident, Derrick Allen's life was saved through spinal decompression and reconstruction surgery performed by Dr. Nitin Agarwal. Over a year post-surgery, Derrick is back serving his community as a Pittsburgh Police officer.Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/derrick-allen.DAFpAfFL.pnghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/derrick-allen/patient-storyspine-surgeryrecoverytraumapatient-careSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/expert-insights-on-spine-imaging-and-interventional-treatments/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/expert-insights-on-spine-imaging-and-interventional-treatments/A comprehensive educational evening featuring Dr. Vikas Agarwal discussing spine imaging and percutaneous interventions for spine-related pain, providing patients and families with valuable insights into the latest advances in spine care.Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/august support group.BkoQ4tKp.webphttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/expert-insights-on-spine-imaging-and-interventional-treatments/support-groupspine-imaginginterventional-treatmentsradiologypain-managementSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/dr-nitin-agarwal-recognized-among-nations-top-neurosurgery-researchers/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/dr-nitin-agarwal-recognized-among-nations-top-neurosurgery-researchers/Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Co-Director of the Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI), has been recognized as one of the nation's top 'neurosurgery and spine research all-stars' for 2025 by healthcare analytics company Avant-garde Health.Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 GMTawardsrecognitionneurosurgery-researchavant-garde-healthSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/from-pain-to-recovery-marisettes-journey-with-spinal-stenosis-and-spondylolisthesis/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/from-pain-to-recovery-marisettes-journey-with-spinal-stenosis-and-spondylolisthesis/After experiencing severe spinal stenosis and undergoing life-changing surgery, 65-year-old Marisette V. from Verona, Pennsylvania, shares her inspiring story of recovery and renewed hope for the future.Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/Marisette.teyYKl9A.webphttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/from-pain-to-recovery-marisettes-journey-with-spinal-stenosis-and-spondylolisthesis/patient-storyspinal-stenosisspondylolisthesisrecoverySpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/neurosurgery-team-wins-runner-up-award-at-pitt-sustainability-challenge/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/neurosurgery-team-wins-runner-up-award-at-pitt-sustainability-challenge/The neurosurgery team was one of three teams selected for runner-up awards at the University of Pittsburgh's Sustainability in Healthcare Challenge for their innovative project addressing anesthetic gas waste.Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/pitt-sustainability-award.BOLZ23Eg.webphttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/neurosurgery-team-wins-runner-up-award-at-pitt-sustainability-challenge/sustainabilityawardsresearchinnovationSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/pitt-neurosurgery-launches-longitudinal-mentorship-initiative/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/pitt-neurosurgery-launches-longitudinal-mentorship-initiative/The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has launched a groundbreaking mentorship program designed to connect students, residents, and faculty across the educational spectrum.Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/img1lami.CA1aZmE_.webphttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/pitt-neurosurgery-launches-longitudinal-mentorship-initiative/mentorshipneurosurgery-educationmedical-trainingcareer-developmentPITT-NeurosurgerySpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/pioneering-modern-spine-endoscopy-in-western-pa/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/pioneering-modern-spine-endoscopy-in-western-pa/UPMC Neurological Surgery introduces modern spine endoscopy to Western Pennsylvania with Dr. Nitin Agarwal conducting the first teaching laboratory, bringing cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques that utilize 3mm incisions and allow patients to return to work the next day.Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/agarwal_endoscopy.CPk24K9F.webphttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/pioneering-modern-spine-endoscopy-in-western-pa/spine-endoscopyminimally-invasive-surgeryinnovationneurosurgeryUPMCpatient-careSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-awarded-2026-va-ccdf-grant/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-awarded-2026-va-ccdf-grant/The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI) has been awarded the 2026 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Competitive Career Development Fund (CCDF) grant. This $50,000 award, with Co-Investigator Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton, will support the development of a blood-based diagnostic test for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy to improve early detection and care for veterans.Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/CCDF_grant.xrlRZOk-.jpghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/scoli-awarded-2026-va-ccdf-grant/researchgrantfundingcervical-spondylotic-myelopathyveteransdiagnosticsSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-awarded-upmc-presbyterian-grant-for-spine-and-scoliosis-support-group/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-awarded-upmc-presbyterian-grant-for-spine-and-scoliosis-support-group/Our team has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the UPMC Presbyterian Medical Executive Committee to fund our Spine and Scoliosis Support group, advancing education, wellbeing, and collaborative learning initiatives.Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/IMG_0491.Cry95IQl.JPGhttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/scoli-awarded-upmc-presbyterian-grant-for-spine-and-scoliosis-support-group/grantfundingsupport-groupeducationcollaborationSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-celebrates-40-abstract-acceptances-at-cns-2025/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-celebrates-40-abstract-acceptances-at-cns-2025/SCOLI celebrates over 40 abstract acceptances at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2025 in Los Angeles, demonstrating leadership in computational spine research and outcomes analysis.Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTresearchrecognitionneurosurgeryCNSabstractsspine-researchSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-research-meeting-highlights/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/scoli-research-meeting-highlights/Highlights from our successful #ResearchFriday meeting featuring innovative breakout sessions that fostered deeper discussions on ongoing studies and collaborations.Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/research_fridays_meeting.DNcK_Shv.pnghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/scoli-research-meeting-highlights/researchcollaborationSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/team-publishes-innovative-catchers-mitt-technique-for-complex-spine-surgery/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/team-publishes-innovative-catchers-mitt-technique-for-complex-spine-surgery/SCOLI researchers have published a groundbreaking case report introducing the innovative "Catcher's Mitt" technique for occipitocervical surgery rescue procedures, representing a significant advancement in addressing complex cervical instability.Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTpublicationresearchinnovationspine-surgeryneurosurgeryoccipitocervicalcase-reportsurgical-techniqueSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/thank-you-to-the-contributors-of-the-new-edition-of-neurosurgery-fundamentals/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/thank-you-to-the-contributors-of-the-new-edition-of-neurosurgery-fundamentals/Dr. Nitin Agarwal extends his heartfelt appreciation to all contributors who made 'Neurosurgery Fundamentals, Second Edition' possible through their dedication and expertise.Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTneurosurgery-fundamentalspublicationeducationcontributorssecond-editionSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/swimming-with-the-sharks/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/swimming-with-the-sharks/An 8-hour course to build resilience and strategies for neurosurgery training and the residency match.Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/20250912.C4q19U9B.pnghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/swimming-with-the-sharks/educationresidencySpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/the-evolution-of-health-literacy--2nd-edition-released/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/the-evolution-of-health-literacy--2nd-edition-released/We are excited to announce the release of the second edition of 'The Evolution of Health Literacy: Empowering Patients Through Improved Education,' coauthored by esteemed physicians Nitin Agarwal, MD, David R. Hansberry, MD, PhD, and Arpan V. Prabhu, MD.Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThealth-literacypatient-educationbook-releasemedical-ethicsSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/the-new-era-of-spine-care/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/the-new-era-of-spine-care/Artificial intelligence has reached a critical inflection point in spine surgery with measurable gains in surgical precision and patient outcomes.Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/SpineCare_NewEra.DKYE-Scy.pnghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/the-new-era-of-spine-care/airoboticsSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/upmc-physician-excellence-awards-2025/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/upmc-physician-excellence-awards-2025/Drs. Nitin Agarwal and David Fernandes Cabral have been selected as winners of 2025 UPMC Physician Excellence Awards, honoring outstanding performance in clinical work and patient care.Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTawardsrecognitionpatient-careclinical-excellenceSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/upmc-research-advances-smart-spinal-implant-technology/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/upmc-research-advances-smart-spinal-implant-technology/The UPMC Physician Journal features groundbreaking research on novel spinal fusion implants with real-time monitoring capabilities, developed through interdisciplinary collaboration between neurosurgeons and engineers at the University of Pittsburgh.Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTresearchinnovationspinal fusionimplantsmonitoringUPMC Physician JournalSpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institutehttps://scoli.org/blog/posts/infinitespine-selected-for-university-of-pittsburgh-un-challenge-phase-1-award/https://scoli.org/blog/posts/infinitespine-selected-for-university-of-pittsburgh-un-challenge-phase-1-award/The project 'inFiniteSpine: Preoperative Finite Element Spine Surgery Planning Tool' has been selected as one of 19 Phase 1 awardees for the University of Pittsburgh Un-Challenge (PUnCh), an initiative funding unconventional research to solve tough health problems.Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://scoli.org//_astro/agarwal-wakelin.CodcmUn9.jpeghttps://scoli.org//blog/posts/infinitespine-selected-for-university-of-pittsburgh-un-challenge-phase-1-award/awardsresearchinnovationfundingspine-surgerySpine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute