Research & Innovation
Research is an integral part of Sydney Spine Institute's commitment to delivering evidence-based spinal and musculoskeletal care.
Led by internationally recognised clinician-researchers, our research program spans spinal disorders, outcome measurement, interventional pain therapies, regenerative medicine and medical technology innovation. Through collaborations with universities, hospitals, research organisations and industry partners, we contribute to research that improves the diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes of patients with spinal and musculoskeletal conditions.
By combining clinical expertise with scientific inquiry, we help translate research into meaningful improvements in patient care.
Advancing Spinal and Musculoskeletal Care
Our Research Areas
Our Team
Research Leadership Team
Associate Professor James van Gelder
Neurosurgeon, Clinician-Researcher, and Co-Director of Sydney Spine Institute
Dr David Anderson
Consultant spine physiotherapist, Clinician-Researcher, Director of Clinical Research
Dr Christella Mylordi
Occupational & Spine Physician, clinician-researcher, and Co-Director of Sydney Spine Institute.
Paraskevi (Evi) Drakoulidou
Director of Clinical & Research Operations
Research Translating into Better Care
Featured Research Projects
Research investigating digital movement assessment technologies to improve the early diagnosis and monitoring of cervical myelopathy.
Exploring rehabilitation pathways for patients awaiting spinal surgery and identifying strategies that improve outcomes before operative intervention.
Evaluating low-cost activity monitors and smartphone technologies as practical tools for assessing walking function and recovery.
Investigating whether coordinated multidisciplinary treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the need for elective spinal surgery.
Evaluating arterial embolisation as a novel treatment for chronic low back pain arising from facet joint osteoarthritis. This project aims to investigate whether targeted embolisation can safely reduce pain, improve function and provide an effective alternative for selected patients with disabling spinal osteoarthritis.
Development and clinical evaluation of novel biomaterials and regenerative technologies for craniofacial, orthopaedic and musculoskeletal reconstruction.
Research Leadership & Funding
Sydney Spine Institute's research leaders have secured more than $15 million in competitive research funding and hold leadership positions within national and international research collaborations.
Associate Professor van Gelder has been awarded National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grants in both 2024 and 2025, securing approximately $2.5 million in competitive funding for the development of innovative technologies targeting spinal fractures, musculoskeletal pain and tissue regeneration.
Director of Clinical Research David Anderson has led and contributed to research programs supported by more than $13 million in competitive funding, including NHMRC and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grants. His work has helped shape international clinical guidelines and outcome frameworks for spinal disorders.
Research Highlights
$15M+
Competitive Research Funding
Global
International Research Leadership
Leadership roles within ISSLS, Myelopathy.org and international guideline initiatives
Leading
Publications in Leading Medical Journals
Including The Lancet, Lancet Neurology, Lancet Rheumatology and The Spine Journal
Active
Active Clinical & Translational Research
Spanning spinal disorders, rehabilitation, interventional therapies and regenerative technologies
Research Partnerships
We collaborate with universities, hospitals, research organisations and industry partners to advance spinal and musculoskeletal care.
Participate
Interested in Clinical Research?
Interested in participating in future research studies or collaborative projects? Contact our team to learn more.
