Anatomy of the first sacral vertebra: detailed characterization of bone structure and nerve/blood vessel pathways using micro-CT image data
Aaron Fields, Professor
UC San Francisco
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
Many painful pathologies of the spine involve the first sacral (S1) vertebra. For example, damage to the endplates of S1 (in particular, the region near the lumbar intervertebral disc) can cause painful lesions in the vertebral bone marrow—such lesions are relatively common in patients with chronic low back pain. However, the detailed anatomy of the S1 vertebra, including how bone, nerve, and blood vessel morphologies vary spatially, is not well understood. In fact, there can be substantial anatomic differences in the morphology of the S1 vertebra between individuals, and the extent of this variation has not been quantified. Quantifying variations in bone microstructure and innervation/vascularization pathways could help guide emerging treatments for low back pain, such as nerve ablation procedures to treat vertebral endplate bone marrow lesions. Thus, goal of this project is to spatially map the microstructure of the S1 vertebra to characterize and quantify inter-individual differences in bone morphology and microstructure. This project will enhance fundamental understanding of the anatomic details of this key spinal structure.
We are recruiting 1–2 undergraduate(s) with a background/interest in anatomy and medical imaging. Experience in computer science/coding would also be helpful. The student(s) will analyze high-resolution computed tomography (CT) image data collected from human S1 vertebrae to quantify the trabecular microstructure and nerve/blood vessel pathways near the basivertebral foramen (the region of the vertebra where major nerves and blood vessels enter) and near the endplate (the region adjacent to the intervertebral disc). In addition to the technical analysis of the CT image data, the student(s) will also be expected to contribute to non-technical aspects of the research process including writing manuscripts and conference abstracts. All technical training will be provided.
Role: Specific research tasks include:
1. Learning and performing medical image analysis of CT data (for example, quantifying trabecular microstructure at various spatial locations using established protocols and software)
2. Learning the anatomy of the spine and S1 vertebra to identify and measure the bony structures surrounding entering/exiting nerves and blood vessels
3. Performing statistical analysis to quantify heterogeneity in the quantitative anatomic outcomes
4. Tissue segmentation on medical images to delineate various structures
5. Organizing and preparing results and standard operating procedures
6. Identifying, reading, and presenting article summaries, including participation in the lab’s weekly journal club
7. Abstract/manuscript preparation (for example, preparing figures/tables, synthesizing findings with the literature, writing abstracts, drafting responses to reviewer comments)
The student will also have general lab responsibilities for the semester including:
1. Maintaining communication with the day-to-day research mentor (Dr. Noah Bonnheim) as well as the PI (Dr. Aaron Fields). (Tell us if you’re over-worked, under-worked, disinterested, or otherwise not having a good time).
2. Delivering a final presentation of your research project to the lab group at the end of the semester.
3. Having fun and learning as much as possible!
By participating in laboratory research, the student is expected to follow all UC and lab policies.
Qualifications: We are recruiting 1–2 undergraduate(s) with a background/interest in anatomy and medical imaging. Experience in computer science/coding would also be helpful. The student will also be expected to contribute to non-technical aspects of the research process including writing manuscripts and conference abstracts. There is substantial opportunity for creative input working with a collaborative team with diverse expertise at UCSF.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Dr. Noah Bonnheim, Post-Doc
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: UCSF Parnassus Campus 513 Parnassus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94143
Related website: http://fieldslab.ucsf.edu
Biological & Health Sciences