Newswise — Researcher Avinash Patwardhan, Ph.D., of Loyola University Health System, a leading expert on the biomechanics of the human spine, has won a top honor from the North American Spine Society.
Patwardhan received the society's 2009 Henry Farfan Award "in recognition of outstanding contributions in spine-related basic science research."
Dr. Charles Branch Jr., president of the spine society, said Patwardhan's dedication to spine care and leadership within the society "is a testament to our mission of fostering the highest quality, evidence-based and ethical spine care for our patients."
Patwardhan, a biomechanical engineer, is a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and director of the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital.
Patwardhan developed a model to test new surgical techniques and technologies on cadaver spines. His technique simulates the complex action of muscles that stabilize the trunk. The technique increasingly is being used by researchers world wide.
"The ultimate goal of our research is to improve the quality of life of people who suffer painful degenerative conditions and fractures in the spine," Patwardhan said.
Patwardhan lives in Wheaton, Ill.
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