Newell Spine Lab Group Photo

Based at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's White City Campus, we are a research group with a focus on Spine Biomechanics. We use a range of tools to better understanding in the areas of spinal injury, spinal deformity and spinal surgery.

Our lab has state-of-the-art ex vivo testing capabilities, including bespoke testing rigs, a 6 DOF robot arm, a C-arm, pressure needles, water baths, and high-speed X-ray. We also have access to advanced imaging technologies, including micro-CT, 9.4T MRI, and microscopy.

We use novel computational approaches (finite element modelling, msk modelling, digital volume correlation (DVC), machine learning) to develop workflows to provide clinicians with information to inform patient treatment strategies, to better predict risk of injury, and to assess scoliosis brace designs.

We collaborate globally, with ongoing projects with colleagues in New Zealand, USA, Portugal, South Africa, Germany, Australia, Sri Lanka and India.

You can explore our recent publications below.

Citation

BibTex format

@article{Brans:2026:10.1002/adhm.202501823,
author = {Brans, VA and Constantinou, AP and Kibble, MJ and Nele, V and Reumann, D and Bau, L and Callens, SJP and Armstrong, JPK and Newell, N and Coussios, CC and Stevens, MM and Gray, MD},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.202501823},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
title = {Ultrasound-triggered gelation for restoring biomechanical properties of degenerated functional spinal units},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202501823},
volume = {15},
year = {2026}
}
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RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB  - Lower back pain is closely associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and is a leading cause of global disability. Existing treatment options are unable to provide suitable long-term outcomes, and emerging strategies employing injectable biomaterials are hindered by factors including limited native tissue integration and depth- or time-constrained gelation mechanisms. To overcome these issues, the present research evaluates a new concept employing ultrasound to remotely trigger in situ implant formation. The concept centers around an implant precursor biomaterial consisting of an anionic polysaccharide solution containing thermally sensitive liposomes loaded with ionic crosslinkers. Ultrasound-mediated heating to 4–5 °C above normal body temperature triggers liposomal release of the crosslinking species, thereby initiating hydrogel formation. Optimization studies define the implant precursor material (1.5% wt/v sodium alginate seeded with calcium-loaded liposomes (10–15 mm calcium chloride) and 6% wt/v glass microspheres) and the ultrasound parameters (0.95 MHz, 1.6 MPa amplitude, 87% duty cycle). Proof-of-concept experiments in degenerated ex vivo bovine IVDs indicate partial restoration of biomechanical function, with the implanted biomaterial well-integrated into the disc tissue and without material herniation. These results offer promise for treating intervertebral disc degeneration, with continued refinement of biomaterials and protocols being essential for achieving robust in-disc efficacy.
AU  - Brans,VA
AU  - Constantinou,AP
AU  - Kibble,MJ
AU  - Nele,V
AU  - Reumann,D
AU  - Bau,L
AU  - Callens,SJP
AU  - Armstrong,JPK
AU  - Newell,N
AU  - Coussios,CC
AU  - Stevens,MM
AU  - Gray,MD
DO  - 10.1002/adhm.202501823
PY  - 2026///
SN  - 2192-2640
TI  - Ultrasound-triggered gelation for restoring biomechanical properties of degenerated functional spinal units
T2  - Advanced healthcare materials
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202501823
UR  - https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202501823
VL  - 15
ER  -
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