Spine

Leading Core Lab for Clinical Trials of Spine Treatments

Medical Metrics has provided imaging core lab services for FDA regulated studies of the spine since 2000.  Images from over three quarters of all US spine IDE trials are managed through our facility.  Our readers have extensive experience with image-based assessments of fusion, arthroplasty, and disc repair.  Our proprietary, 510(k)-cleared, Quantitative Motion Analysis software (QMA®) has the highest accuracy and reproducibility of any published method for spine image analysis.  Additionally, our scientific experts have assisted with the interpretation of outcomes from numerous clinical studies.  No other core lab offers our unique combination of experienced readers, scientific expertise, and specialized technology for spine clinical trials.

Experience and Expertise

We specialize in clinical studies of fusion and motion preserving technology.  To date, we have evaluated more than 50 motion sparing treatments for disc degeneration, stenosis, and instability.  Our spine fusion experience includes assessments of allografts, autografts, and bone graft substitutes.  We are leaders in the evaluation of stem cell treatments and biologics for tissue repair and regeneration, including for fusion and disc repair.  We also routinely evaluate treatments for fracture, trauma, and spinal deformity.  A summary of our treatment experience is provided below.

Treatments Pathologies & Indications
  • Decompression
  • Fusion (Interbody, PLF, etc.)
  • Total Disc Replacement
  • Annular / Nuclear Repair
  • Facet Replacement
  • Dynamic Stabilization
  • Interspinous Distraction
  • Fracture Stabilization / Repair
  • Deformity Correction
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Facet Degeneration
  • Instability
  • Annular Compromise
  • Compression Fracture
  • Scoliosis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Trauma

Faculty Directors

Our readers and scientists offer a unique combination of clinical expertise, awareness of the latest advances in spine imaging, and an understanding of current regulatory requirements and trends.  Our core group of clinical and scientific experts is led by Dr. John Hipp and Dr. Alan Williams.

John Hipp, PhD

  • Over 25 years of experience in quantitative imaging methods for spine and orthopedic research
  • Recipient of the prestigious Kappa Delta Orthopedic Research Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Former Director of the Spine Research Lab at Baylor College of Medicine
  • Prior research supported by NIH, Whitaker, AO Foundation, DARPA
  • Published over 90 imaging-related papers and book chapters 
  • Overseen development of more than 50 spine-related imaging charters
  • Reviewer for eight leading journals including Spine and The Spine Journal

Alan Williams, MD

  • Fellowship-trained neuroradiologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, including 17 years as a Neuroradiology Section Chief
  • Former President of the American Society of Spine Radiology
  • Published over 90 papers in peer-reviewed radiology journals and 10 book chapters with emphasis on CT and MR imaging of the spine
  • Invited faculty member and speaker at many national and international meetings
  • Serves in editorial capacity at the American Journal of Neuroradiology and Radiology

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