James Harrop, MD

Contact Dr. Harrop

909 Walnut Street
2nd Floor, COB Bldg.
Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215) 955-7000
fax

Research and Clinical Interests
Spinal cord Injury, Spinal Tumors, Degenerative spine conditions

My research focuses on... Improving the neurologic status of patients after spinal cord injuries. Several years ago there was the belief that patients with spinal cord injuries had no potential to improve neurologically. Over the last several decades through a better understanding of the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury and the nervous system patients outcomes have improved. Presently through early decompression and reconstruction of a patient's spinal column, we are seeing continued and progressively better neurologic recoveries. However, we still have a long way further to improve. The uses of translational strategies such as anti-apoptotic agents are showing future promise. These advances are aimed for not only individuals affected with trauma induced spinal conditions, but also for the treatment of spinal tumors and degenerative conditions.

The techniques that I use in my research are translation research with scientists utilizing molecular and stem cell therapy to aid in the repair of spinal cord injuries. In addition to clinical research techniques with prospective and retrospective studies.

I hope that my findings will be used to improve the quality of lives for individuals affected with spine and spinal cord disorders.

Hide Details

Publications

Most recent Peer-reviewed Publications

1. Type II Odontoid Fractures: What to Do?
2. The impact of facet dislocation on clinical outcomes after cervical spinal cord injury: Results of a multicenter North American prospective cohort study
3. The seasonality of postoperative infection in spine surgery: Clinical article
4. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks from penetrating injuries: Diagnosis and treatment
5. Patient positioning: Is it really a big deal?
6. Optimization of the decision-making process for the selection of therapeutics to undergo clinical testing for spinal cord injury in the North American Clinical Trials Network.
7. Riluzole for the treatment of acute traumatic spinal cord injury: rationale for and design of the NACTN Phase I clinical trial.
8. Pharmacology of riluzole in acute spinal cord injury.
9. Translational potential of preclinical trials of neuroprotection through pharmacotherapy for spinal cord injury.
10. The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) after spinal fusions
11. A clinical prediction model for long-term functional outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury based on acute clinical and imaging factors
12. Evaluation of clinical experience using cell-based therapies in patients with spinal cord injury: a systematic review.
13. Incidence and severity of acute complications after spinal cord injury.
14. Thoracic myelopathy due to an intramedullary herniated nucleus pulposus: First case report and review of the literature
15. Anatomical relationships of the anterior blood vessels to the lower lumbar intervertebral discs: Analysis based on magnetic resonance imaging of patients in the prone position
16. Does the load-sharing classification predict ligamentous injury, neurological injury, and the need for surgery in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures? Clinical article
17. Fehlings et al respond
18. CT and MRI-based diagnosis of craniocervical dislocations: The role of the occipitoatlantal ligament
19. Spinal cord injury resulting from injury missed on CT scan: The danger of relying on CT alone for collar removal
20. Patient comorbidities and complications after spinal surgery: A societal-based cost analysis

View All Publications