Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Research
The University of Vermont's McClure Musculoskeletal Research Center is committed to understanding musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.
Focus on predicting disease progression
A key area of scoliosis research focuses on predicting the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Studying stress on the discs
A research study conducted by Ian Stokes, Ph.D., research professor at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, is looking at intervertebral discs in cases of still-growing spines with scoliosis. The research focuses on how those discs respond to certain types of stress.
The spine’s shock-absorbing system
Intervertebral discs are the cushions between the vertebrae that act as the spine’s shock-absorbing system. This study also aims to help improve the understanding of disease progression and promote early intervention. Results may lead to the design of new therapeutic approaches to restore symmetrical spine growth.
Genetic test
A separate effort at the University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen involves a genetic test for scoliosis that can predict disease progression. A former Fletcher Allen orthopedic surgeon, developed the test. It is a simple spit test administered to 9- to 13-year-old girls with scoliosis.
