Exeter Undergraduate Spinal Surgery Research Programme 

Coordinator: Mr Oliver Stokes (Consultant Spinal Surgeon)

 

The Exeter Spinal Research Unit provides a unique opportunity for medical students to undertake a clinical research scholarship in spinal pathology and surgery. This can be undertaken on a part-time basis. Each selected student will be awarded the scholarship for 12-months in duration. Previous research experience is beneficial. Teaching focusing on clinical research techniques will be provided, but due to the short duration of each scholarship, self-learning during the scholarship is essential in order to make the most of this scheme.

 

Application Requirements:

* Excellent written skills

* Ability to effectively communicate as a member of a team

* Ability to take the lead of a project and act in a timely manner

* Willingness to work hard

* Familiarity with rudimentary research skills

* Act responsibly as an ambassador of the Exeter Spinal Unit

 

This year the scholarship is open to students entering the third year of their undergraduate medical training only. The numbers of scholarships awarded will vary depending on the quality of applications. A panel of surgeons at the RD&E will help choose successful applicants.

 

Applications for the 2017/18 academic year are now closed.

 

Exeter Spinal Research Fellowship

For students who impress during their time as research scholars, a more permanent position of research fellow is available.

 

The South West Orthopaedic Conference 

Selected students are also expected to assist in the organisation of the annual South West Orthopaedic Conference. Further details regarding the conference can be found at ExeterOrthoConference.co.uk

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The Norman Capener Undergraduate Prize for Orthopaedic Research 

This prize is awarded to one scholar/fellow per academic year in recognition of exceptional contributions to the programme. Previous recipients:

2014/15: Salil Patel

2015/16: Conor Jones

2016/17: Praveena Deekonda

 

Presentations and Publications 

 

Publications:

Yates J, Jones CS, Stokes O, Hutton M. Incomplete cauda equina syndrome secondary to haemorrhage within a Tarlov cyst. BMJ Case Reports. 2017. doi:10.1136/bcr-2017-219890

 

Jones C, Deekonda P, King A, Onafowokan T, Campbell H, Hughes A, Stokes O. Supporting Student-Led Orthopaedic Conferences Improves Understanding and Perceptions of the Field. Journal of Trauma and Orthopaedics. 2017;5(3): 50-51

 

Jones CS, King JD, Patel SB. Reflecting on medical student surgical conferences. Clin Teach. 2017 Jun;14(3):226.

 

Patel SB, Griffiths-Jones W, Jones CS, Samartzis D, Clarke AJ, Khan S, Stokes OM. The current state of the evidence for the use of drains in spinal surgery: a systematic review. Eur Spine J. 2017. doi: 10.1007/s00586-017-4983-0. 

 

Deekonda P, Chan D, Stokes OM: Retroperitoneal haematoma in a postoperative ALIF patient taking Rivaroxaban for atrial fibrillation. Eur Spine J. 2016. doi: 10.1007/s00586-016-4822-8. 

 

Jones CS, Patel S, Griffiths-Jones W, Stokes OM: Presentation of cauda equina syndrome during labour. BMJ Case Rep. 2015. pii: bcr2015212119. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2015-212119

 

Jones CS, Stokes OM, Patel SB, Clarke AJ, Hutton M: Actuator pin fracture in magnetically controlled growing rods: two cases. Spine J. 2015. pii: S1529-9430(15)01817-3. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2015.12.020.

 

Poster Presentations:

Improving Undergraduate Understanding and Perceptions of Orthopaedic Surgery: Outcomes of the South West Orthopaedic Conference 2017 

   - Jones CS, Deekonda P, King A, Onafowokan T, Campbell H, Hughes A, Stoke OM.

   - Exeter MedEd Conference 2017 (ASME) 

 

Improving Undergraduate Understanding and Perceptions of Orthopaedic Surgery: Outcomes of the South West Orthopaedic Conference 2017 

   - Jones CS, Deekonda P, King A, Onafowokan T, Campbell H, Hughes A, Stoke OM.

   - South Wales Orthopaedic and Trauma Showcase 2017 (RCSEd and Welshbone) 

 

Maximal distraction of magnetically controlled growing rods: Outcomes and mechanical analysis of device failure

   - Jones CS, Brooks F, Joyce T, Hutton M, Clarke A, Chan D, Khan S, Stokes OM

   - RCSEd National Conference for Aspiring Surgeons 2017

   - Best poster award 

 

Management of Inadvertent Dural Tears

   - Deekonda P, Stokes OM

   - Association of Surgeons in Great Britain & Ireland 2017 International Surgical Congress

   - Best Poster Award: Surgical Complications Category

 

 

The inaugural South West Orthopaedic Conference 2015: Promoting orthopaedic careers in the South West and beyond.

   - Jones CS, Patel SB, Hughes A, Khan S, Stokes O

   - RCSEd National Conference for Aspiring Surgeons 2016

   - Best poster second place

 

Spontaneous resolution of a symptomatic Tarlov cyst

   - Yates J, Jones C, Stokes O, Hutton M 

   - RCSEd National Conference for Aspiring Surgeons 2016

 

Retroperitoneal haematoma as a complication of rivaroxaban use in a postoperative ALIF patient. 

   - Deekonda P, Stokes O

   - RCSEd National Conference for Aspiring Surgeons 2016

 

C2 Vertical Shear: A new fracture pattern description

   - Mahankali-Rao P, Woodacre T, Stokes O

   - South West Orthopaedic Club Spring Meeting 2016

   - Best poster award

 

 

Oral Presentations:

Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods with Maximal Distraction: Outcomes and Mechanical Analysis of Device Failure. 

   - Jones CS, Brooks F, T Joyce, A Clarke, M Hutton, D Chan, OM Stokes.

   - International Phillip Zorab Symposium 2017, British Scoliosis Research Foundation, London

 

Magnetically controlled growing rods with maximal distraction: A new mechanism of device failure

   - Jones CS, Brooks F, Joyce T, Hutton M, Clarke A, Chan D, Khan S, Stokes OM

   - Global Spine Congress 2017, Milan