My research looks at hyperextension injuries of the cervical spine which is a common cause of central cord syndrome, most often seen after falls in older adults. Hyperextension places particular strain on the anterior longitudinal ligament, which runs down the front of the spine and is one of the main structures resisting that movement.

This is studied by loading cadaveric cervical functional spinal units in a way to reproduce that backward-bending movement. My focus is on the earliest point at which damage occurs, identifying when the first failure happens and which structure is involved, using combined force, motion and video recordings. 

My research is supervised by Associate Professor Claire Jones and co-supervised by Dr Numaira Obaid.