Christopher I. Shaffrey
Duke Medical Center, Duke University, Duke University Hospital
Papers
5
Total Citations
134
H-Index
5
About
Christopher I. Shaffrey is a leading spine surgeon and researcher whose work has fundamentally shaped the modern treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD). His research focuses on advancing surgical techniques for complex spinal conditions, particularly through minimally invasive and robotic-assisted approaches. Shaffrey’s most cited paper, a 2019 narrative review on the evolution of ASD treatment (98 citations), traces the shift from supportive care to direct surgical correction, establishing a foundational framework for the field. He has pioneered the Prone Transpsoas (PTP) approach, which improves lumbar lordosis gains over traditional lateral lumbar interbody fusion, as detailed in his 2024 review. Shaffrey also explores novel applications for robotics beyond pedicle screw placement, including sacroiliac joint fusion, demonstrating how technology can enhance precision and outcomes. His work on specialty-specific trends in deformity surgery highlights cost and technique variations between orthopedic and neurological surgeons. With a career marked by innovation in surgical robotics and minimally invasive techniques, Shaffrey’s contributions have directly improved patient care and expanded the possibilities of spine surgery, making him a pivotal figure in the field.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Treatment of adult thoracolumbar spinal deformity: past, present, and future98 citations · 2019
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