Grant awarded to complete spinal research project

A research corporation affiliated with Southeast Missouri State University has received a $20,000 grant from a medical hardware and instrumentation company to complete spinal research, officials announced Monday.

Cape Girardeau neurosurgeon Dr. Joel Ray began the research project two years ago with a $20,000 grant. Now the medical company, Biomet-EBI Spine of New Jersey, has provided another $20,000 grant to finish the project.

Ray is doing a retrospective study on the effect of using an implanted electrical stimulation device on back surgery patients to promote faster healing. The direct current from a small battery helps spinal bones fuse together after surgery.

Ray said he has used the device on at least 200 patients since 2002. Data from at least 33 of those patients will be used in the study.

Christy LeGrand, projects coordinator for the Missouri Research Corporation, said the study should be completed within six months to a year.

Ray hopes to publish the research in a medical journal in 2007.

"I wanted to get back into research," Ray said, explaining why he began the study.

Medical research typically is done at large, medical schools. "In my mind, we've invented a whole new research component," he said.

Through the Missouri Research Corporation, it's now possible for doctors in private practice to be involved in medical research, he said.

The research corporation staff will monitor the grant spending to ensure that the money is spent properly, Ray said.

The research also has met with the approval of Saint Francis Medical Center officials, Ray said.

"This is truly an exciting opportunity," he said.

Ray said it makes sense that medical research should be done in Cape Girardeau, which is home to two hospitals.

Ultimately, Ray believes his project could lead Southeast Missouri State University to become more involved in medical research.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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