Projects & Research

Research That Moves Neurosurgical Care Forward

The Big Ten Neurosurgery Consortium (BTNC) is a collaborative network of leading academic neurosurgery programs dedicated to advancing patient care through multicenter clinical research. By bringing together investigators, institutions, and industry partners, BTNC facilitates high-quality prospective and retrospective studies, registries, and innovative research initiatives across a broad range of neurosurgical subspecialties, including spine, cerebrovascular, functional, and cranial surgery. BTNC serves as a platform for collaboration, accelerating study development, site engagement, and the generation of high-quality evidence that improves patient outcomes nationwide.

Research Management

Our Projects

A Prospective Registry of Spine Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgical decompression followed by Radiation Therapy for Spine Tumors

A prospective multicenter spine oncology registry collecting real-world data on patients undergoing surgical treatment and radiation therapy for spinal tumors. The registry aims to improve understanding of treatment patterns and outcomes, supporting evidence-based care for patients with metastatic and primary spine tumors.

Industry Partner

REESE – Retrospective Evaluation of Upper Instrumented Vertebrae (UIV) Screw Loosening Following Spine Surgery

A retrospective multicenter study evaluating the incidence, timing, and risk factors associated with upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) screw loosening following thoracolumbar spinal fusion. Leveraging standardized radiographic review across BTNC institutions, the project seeks to identify factors that may influence construct durability and patient outcomes.

Industry Partner

Transcranioplasty Ultrasound (TCUS) Through ClearFit® Sonolucent Cranial Implants for Monitoring Postoperative Intracranial Hemorrhages Sites – A Prospective Level 2 Diagnostic Accuracy Cohort Study

A prospective, randomized, non-inferiority study evaluating outcomes in patients undergoing cranioplasty following decompressive hemicraniectomy. The study compares autologous bone reconstruction with customized allograft and synthetic implant options, including polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implants. Through multicenter collaboration, the study aims to generate high-quality evidence to inform reconstructive decision-making and improve outcomes following cranial surgery.

Industry Partner

Emerging Industry Collaborations

BTNC continues to work with industry and academic partners on novel research initiatives in neurosurgery, spine care, and emerging cell and gene therapy technologies. Current collaborations under development include projects with Mizuoho-OSI, GammaTile, Nurami Medical, Solid Biosciences, SynerFuse, Zeta Surgical, Cerepedics, and other sponsors exploring regenerative medicine, gene therapy, medical devices, and advanced surgical technologies.

Industry Partners

  • Abbott
  • Aesculap
  • Aspen Neuroscience
  • Barricaid
  • Biocomposites
  • Boston Scientific
  • Cerapedics
  • Clearpoint
  • Gamma Tile Radiation Therapy
  • Globus Medical
  • Icotec Medical
  • Imperative Care
  • Integra LifeSciences
  • IQ Surgical
  • Kuros Biosciences
  • Leica Micosystems
  • Longeviti Neuo Solutions
  • Medtronic
  • Mizuoho-OSI
  • Neofix
  • NeOnc Technologies Holdings
  • Neuralink
  • Nurami Medical
  • Penumbra
  • RadioMedix
  • SI Bone
  • Solid Biosciences
  • Stryker
  • Surgical One
  • Synerfuse
  • ZAP Surgical
  • Zeta Surgical

Private access will be provided to relevant investigators to access study specific documents.