Our work

Jeffrey Lotz, PhD, and his lab are focused on identifying mechanisms of disc degeneration, developing novel diagnostics and therapies for low back pain, and the biomechanics of spinal instrumentation.

The laboratory is located within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and aims to understand the biomechanics and biology of the lumbar spine and intervertebral disc in both health and disease. A number of research programs in this area include: theoretical and experimental development of material laws for disc tissues; finite element simulations of disc and vertebral body response to in vivo loading; animal models to clarify the mechanisms of disc degeneration and repair; animal models to clarify the relationship between disc degeneration and pain; investigation of novel surgical interventions meant to treat back pain; and tissue engineering of fibro-cartilaginous tissues. For more information, please visit the Lotz Lab web site.