SUMMARY
The research interests of Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon Robert J. Spinner, M.D., are twofold. His clinical research relates to imaging features of benign and malignant nerve tumors. His basic science research focuses on developing and evaluating a novel nerve tube as a possible alternative for peripheral nerve graft repair.
Focus areas
- Intraneural ganglia. As part of his clinical research, Dr. Spinner focuses on establishing the formation and treatment of intraneural ganglia.
- Nerve tumors. An additional area of clinical research involves identifying imaging features of nerve tumors.
- Perineural spread. Dr. Spinner also conducts clinical research to determine patterns of metastasis of malignant nerve tumors, also called perineural spread.
- Novel nerve tube. In his basic science research, Dr. Spinner studies the properties of a novel nerve tube made of a flexible, easy-to-suture biomaterial called polycaprolactone fumarate that was invented at Mayo Clinic.
- Nerve gap regeneration. A second area of basic science research focus centers on investigating the influence of a multichannel structure on the support of regeneration across large nerve gaps and improving the accuracy of regeneration by separately guiding groups of regenerating axons in rat models.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Spinner’s clinical research is aimed at understanding how nerve tumors form and spread. This research can improve treatments and outcomes. He also works on using imaging to diagnose nerve tumors, which can improve treatment and avoid the need for a biopsy.
Dr. Spinner’s basic research compares nerve tubes made of biomaterials with the current best method, autografts. An autograft is tissue taken from one area of the body and placed in another area of the same body. Dr. Spinner uses rats for this research and looks at the safety and effectiveness of the nerve tubes. His team will then apply the findings to humans. Nerve tubes may be better than autografts because they don’t cause pain or other issues at the donor site, and they can be made in different sizes and shapes.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic:
- Member, editorial board, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2005-present.
- Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, 2015-2024.
- Burton M. Onofrio, M.D., Professor of Neurosurgery, 2011.
- Member, editorial board, Neurosurgery, 2009-present.
- Member, editorial board, World Neurosurgery, 2009-present.
- Member, editorial board, Microsurgery, 2004-present.
- Clinical Anatomy:
- Senior editor, 2012-present.
- Co-editor, 2002-2011.
- Associate editor, 2001.
- American Association of Clinical Anatomists:
- Honored Member Award, 2025.
- President, 2019-2021.
- American Society for Peripheral Nerve:
- Distinguished Service Award, 2025.
- President, 2012-2013.
- Meritorious mentor, joint sections, Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Summit, 2024.
- American Association of Neurosurgical Surgeons:
- Rengachary lecturer, 2023.
- Kline lecturer, 2016.
- President, international peripheral nerve study group, Sunderland Society, 2007-2008.