Skip to main content
construction release_alert
The Scholars Team is working with OIT to resolve some issues with the Scholars search index
cancel

William James Richardson

Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Box 3077 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
5340 Duke South, Orange Zone, Durham, NC 27710
Office hours 7:30am-4:00pm  

Overview


1. Current research includes investigation of biomechanical aspects of cervical injury with head impact. This involves cadaveric work with high-speed photography and load cells to ascertain the mechanism for spinal fractures.

2. An animal model is being used to evaluate the biomechanics of cervical laminectomy versus laminoplasty compared to the normal spine. A portion of the animals are developing myelopathy secondary to instability after the surgical procedure and this is being evaluated with MRI scanning as well as mechanical and radiographic testing.


3. Studies are being performed to develop an impedance pedicle probe to aid safe insertion of pedicular instrumentation in the lumbar spine. Ongoing studies are being performed to define the optimal frequency for the probe to yield the most sensitive and specific device. Hopefully this will lead to development of a device for human use. Studies will compare impedance probe to currently used EMG techniques to see if combing them will lead to greater sensitivity and specificity.

4. Studies are being completed on testing particular pull-out strength and doing a multi-varied analysis looking at size of the pedicle and bone density by two different techniques.

5. Current work is ongoing to develop an outcomes instrument and database to be used in the outpatient setting for patients with spinal complaints, both cervical and lumbar. The device will be used to evaluate clinical effectiveness for a variety of treatments for spinal conditions and to look at patient satisfaction issues.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery · 2004 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Science Departments
Professor in Neurosurgery · 2017 - Present Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery
Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute · 2010 - Present Duke Global Health Institute, University Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published October 16, 2013
New technology streamlines orthopaedic surgery
Published October 3, 2013
Inside the Scanner

View All News

Recent Publications


Gene Therapy and Spinal Fusion: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Available Data.

Journal Article World Neurosurg · June 2024 OBJECTIVE: To analyze the extant literature describing the application of gene therapy to spinal fusion. METHODS: A systematic review of the English-language literature was performed. The search query was designed to include all published studies examining ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Osteoimmunology: Interactions With the Immune System in Spinal Fusion.

Journal Article Int J Spine Surg · December 27, 2023 Spinal fusion is important for the clinical success of patients undergoing surgery, and the immune system plays an increasingly recognized role. Osteoimmunology is the study of the interactions between the immune system and bone. Inflammation impacts the o ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Ropivacaine-Epinephrine-Clonidine-Ketorolac Cocktail as a Local Anesthetic for Lumbar Decompression Surgery: A Single Institutional Experience.

Journal Article World Neurosurg · August 2023 OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to discuss our initial experience with a multimodal opioid-sparing cocktail containing ropivacaine, epinephrine, clonidine, and ketorolac (RECK) in the postoperative management of lumbar decompression surgeries. METHODS ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


Duke Pain Early-phase Research Clinical Center (PERC)

ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2024

Pfizer Phase 2B SA4AG Vacine Study

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Pfizer, Inc. · 2017 - 2019

Fresh Tissue Lab Agreement

Institutional SupportPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by DePuy Synthes Companies · 2018 - 2018

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications


Eastern Virginia Medical School · 1977 M.D.

External Links


Orthopaedic Surgery