International

Tom Hedman

TOM HEDMAN, PhD

Senior Principal Scientist

Tom Hedman, PhD., Spinal Simplicity’s Senior Prinicpal Scientist has been involved in orthopedic research and development since 1983, with a focus on soft-tissue biomechanics since 1985. Dr. Hedman is a recognized pioneer in the spine field with over 35 years of experience in both the academic and entrepreneurial realms. He has made over 100 presentations at national and international conferences and has over 65 peer-reviewed published articles. Tom has been a reviewer for U.S. NIH grants and various technical journals.

His graduate bioengineering training was at MIT and the University of Strathclyde. Dr. Hedman is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor in the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Kentucky.

Tom Hedman currently has more than 40 issued patents, beginning with the first of its kind “2nd generation” disc replacement device (total disc prosthesis) issued in 1988. 

Prior to joining Spinal Simplicity, Tom’s previous roles were the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Intralink-Spine, as well as, the Founder and President of Orthopeutics, LP.

Peer Reviewed Publications

 

  • Hedman, T.P., Kostuik, J.P., & Fernie, G.R. (1991). Design of an intervertebral disc prosthesis. Spine, 16, 256-260.
  • Hedman, T.P. (1992). A new transducer for facet force measurement in the lumbar spine: Bench mark and in vitro test results. J. Biomech., 25, 69-80.
  • Hellier, W.G., Hedman, T.P., & Kostuik, J.P. (1992). Wear studies for development of an intervertebral disc prosthesis. Spine, 17, 86-96.
  • Ogilvie-Harris, D.J., Fitsialos, D., & Hedman, T.P. (1994). Arthrodesis of the ankle: A comparison of two versus three screw fixation. Clini. Orthop., 304, 195-199.
  • Ogilvie-Harris, D.J., Reed, S.C., & Hedman, T.P. (1994). Disruption of the ankle syndesmosis: A biomechanical study of the ligamentous restraints. Arthroscopy, 10, 558-560.
  • Hedman, T.P., & Fernie, G.R. (1995). In vivo measurement of lumbar spinal creep in two seated postures using magnetic resonance imaging. Spine, 20, 178-183.
  • Thordarson, D.B., Merkel, P., Hedman, T.P., & Liao, W-L. (1996). An evaluation of the inversion torque of the posterior tibialis versus flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus posterior tibialis tendon reconstructions. The Foot, 6, 134-137.
  • Hedman, T.P., & Fernie, G.R. (1997). Mechanical response of the lumbar spine to seated postural loads. Spine, 22, 734-743.
  • Thordarson, D.B., Kumar, P.J., Hedman, T.P., & Ebramzadeh, E. (1997). Effect of partial vs. complete plantar fasciotomy upon the windlass mechanism. Foot and Ankle, 18, 16-20.
  • Thordarson, D.B., Hedman, T.P., Gross, D., & Magre, G. (1997). Biomechanical evaluation of polylactide absorbable screws used for syndesmosis injury repair. Foot and Ankle, 18, 622-627.
  • Thordarson, D.B., Motamed, S., Hedman, T.P., Ebramzadeh, E., & Bakshian, S. (1997). The effect of fibular malreduction on contact pressures in an ankle fracture malunion model. J. Bone and Joint Surg., 79A, 1809-1815.
  • Thordarson, D.B., Hedman, T.P., Lundquist, D., & Reisch, R. (1998). Effect of calcaneal osteotomy and plantar fasciotomy on arch configuration in a flatfoot model. Foot Ankle Int., 19, 374-378.
  • Selecky, M.T., Vangsness, C.T., Liao, W-L., Saadat, V., & Hedman, T.P. (1999). The effects of laser induced collagen shortening on the biomechanical properties of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex. J. Am. Sports Med., 27(2), 168-172.
  • Thordarson, D.B., Hedman, T.P., Yetkinler, D.N., Eskander, E., Lawrence, T.N., & Poser, R.D. (1999). Superior compressive strength of calcaneal fracture construct augmented with remodelable cancellous bone cement. J. Bone and Joint Surg., 81(2), 239-246.
  • Hsu, A., Ho, L., Ho, S., & Hedman, T.P. (2000). Joint position during anterior-posterior glide mobilization: Its effect on glenohumeral abduction range of motion. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil., 81, 210-214.
  • Hsu, A., Ho, L., Ho, S., & Hedman, T.P. (2000). Immediate response of glenohumeral abduction range of motion to a caudally directed translational mobilization – A fresh cadaver simulation. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil., 81, 1511-1516.
  • Polousky, J.D., Hedman, T.P., & Vangsness, C.T. (2000). Electrosurgical methods for arthroscopic meniscectomy: A review of the literature. Arthroscopy, 16(8), 813-821.
  • Early, S.D., Hedman, T.P., & Reynolds, R.A. (2001). Biomechanical analysis of compression screw fixation versus standard in situ pinning in slipped capital femoral epiphysis. J. Pediatr. Orthop., 21, 183-188.
  • Murray, J.A., Cornwell, E.E. 3rd, Velmahos, G.C., Rivkind, A.I., Hedman, T.P., Abrahams, J.H., Katkhouda, N., Berne, T.V., & Demetriades, D. (2001). Healing of traumatic diaphragm injuries: Comparison of laparascopic versus open techniques in an animal model. J. Surg. Res., 100, 189-191.
  • Hsu, A.T., Hedman, T.P., Chang, J.H., Vo, C., Ho, L., Ho, S., & Chang, G.L. (2002). Changes in abduction and rotational range of motion in response to simulated dorsal and ventral translational mobilization of the glenohumeral joint. Physical Therapy, 82(6), 544-556.
  • Hsu, A.T., Ho, L., & Hedman, T.P. (2002). Characterization of tissue resistance during a dorsally directed translational mobilization of the glenohumeral joint. Arch Phys Med and Rehab, 83, 360-366.
  • Vangsness, C.T., Polousky, J.D., & Hedman T.P. (2002). Radiofrequency thermal effects on the human meniscus: An in vitro analysis. J. Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, 18, 492-495.
  • Vangsness, C.T., Polousky, J.D., Parkinson, A.B., & Hedman T.P. (2003). Radiofrequency thermal effects on the human meniscus: An in vitro study of systems with monopolar and bipolar electrodes. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 31, 253-256.
  • Liao, W.L., Hedman, T.P., & Vangsness, C.T. (2004). Thermal profile of radiofrequency energy in the inferior glenohumeral ligament. Journal of Arthroscopy, 20, 603-608.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Lin, Z., Khoo, M.C.K., & Hedman, T.P. (2004). Determination of shoe stiffness for running speed optimization. The Engineering of Sport 5, 2, 531-536.
  • Watkins, R., Watkins, R., Williams, L., Ahlbrand, S., Garcia, R., Karamanian, A., Sharp, L., Vo, C., & Hedman, T. (2005). Stability provided by the sternum and the rib cage in the thoracic spine. Spine, 30(11), 1283-1286.
  • Caffey, S., McPherson, E., Moore, B., Hedman, T., & Vangsness, C.T. Jr. (2005). Effects of radiofrequency energy on human articular cartilage: An analysis of 5 systems. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(7), 1035-1039.
  • Zalavras, C.G., Gardocki, R., Huang, E., Stevanovic, M., Hedman, T., & Tibone, J. (2006). Reconstruction of large rotator cuff tendon defects with porcine small intestinal submucosa in an animal model. Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, 15(2), 224-231.
  • Hedman, T., Saito, H., Vo, C., & Chuang, S-Y. (2006). Exogenous crosslinking increases the stability of spinal motion segments. Spine, 31(15), E480-485.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Odono, R.M., & Hedman, T.P. (2007). Effects of exogenous crosslinking on in vitro tensile and compressive moduli of lumbar intervertebral discs. Clinical Biomechanics, 22(1), 14-20.
  • Lin, L-C., Hedman, T.P., Wang, S-J., Huoh, M., & Chuang, S-Y. (2009). The analysis of axisymmetric viscoelasticity, time-dependent recovery and hydration in rat tail intervertebral discs by compression test. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 25(2), 133-139.
  • Slusarewicz, P., Zhu, K., Kirking, B., Toungate, J., & Hedman, T. (2011). Optimization of protein crosslinking formulations for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Spine, 36(1), E7-13.
  • Slusarewicz, P., Zhu, K., & Hedman, T. (2010). Kinetic characterization and comparison of various protein crosslinking reagents suitable for matrix modification. J Mater Sci Mater Med., 21(4), 1175-1181.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Lin, L-C., Hedman, T.P. (2010). The influence of exogenous crosslinking and compressive creep loading on intradiscal pressure. Biomech Model Mechanobiol., 9(5), 533-538.
  • Reid, J., Sikka, R., Tsoi, W., Narvy, S.J., Hedman, T., Lee, T.Q., & Vangsness, C.T. Jr. (2010). Sterilization effects on the mechanical properties of human bone-patellar tendon-bone allografts. Orthopedics, 235-239.
  • Zhu, K., Slusarewicz, P., & Hedman, T. (2011). Thermal analysis reveals differential effects of various crosslinkers on bovine annulus fibrosis. J Orthop Res., 29(1), 8-13.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Popovich, J.M., Lin, L-C., Wang, S-J., Hedman, T. (2010). The effects of exogenous crosslinking on hydration and fluid flow in the intervertebral disc subjected to compressive creep loading and unloading. Spine, 35(24), E1362-6.
  • Popovich, J.M., Yau, D., Chuang, S-Y., & Hedman, T. (2011). Exogenous collagen crosslinking of the intervertebral disc restores joint stability following lumbar posterior decompression surgery. Spine, 36(12), 1-6.
  • Slusarewicz, P., Zhu, K., & Hedman, T. (2010). Kinetic analysis of genipin degradation in aqueous solution. Natural Products Communications, 5(12), 1853-1858.
  • Welcher, J.W., Popovich, J.M., & Hedman, T.P. (2011). Development of a versatile intra-articular pressure sensing array. Journal of Medical Engineering and Physics, 33(8), 950-956.
  • Kirking, B., Toungate, J., Zhang, Y., & Hedman, T.P. (2013). The dose response relationship between intervertebral disc flexion-extension neutral zone metrics and injected genipin concentration. Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials, 11(2), e73-e79.
  • Popovich, J.M., Welcher, J.W., Hedman, T.P., Tawackoli, W., Anand, N., Chen, T.C., & Kulig, K. (2013). Lumbar facet joint and intervertebral disc loading during simulated pelvic obliquity. The Spine Journal, 13(11), 1581-1589.
  • Kirking, B., Hedman, T., & Criscione, J. (2014). Changes in the interfacial shear resistance of disc annulus fibrosus from genipin crosslinking. J. Biomechanics, 47(1), 293-296.
  • Toungate, J., Hedman, T.P., & Slusarewicz, P. (2014). Consecutive applications of protein crosslinking reagents to intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus results in a cumulative increase in crosslinking. J. Clin Eng, 39(2), 90-95.
  • Lin, H.J., Lin, L.C., Hedman, T.P., Chen, W.P., & Chuang, S-Y. (2015). Exogenous crosslinking restores intradiscal pressure of injured porcine intervertebral discs: An in vivo examination using quantitative discomanometry. Spine, 40(20), 1572-1577.
  • Sundararaj, S., Slusarewicz, P., Brown, M., & Hedman, T. (2017). Genipin crosslinker releasing sutures for improving the mechanical/repair strength of damaged connective tissue. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B – Applied Biomaterials, 105B(8), 2199-2205.
  • Hedman, T.P., Chen, W-P., Lin, L-C., Lin, H-J., & Chuang, S-Y. (2017). The effects of collagen crosslink augmentation on the mechanism of compressive load sharing in the intervertebral disc. Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, 37(1), 94–101.
  • Hunt, S., Kuo, J., Aristizabal, F.A., Brown, M., Patwardhan, A., & Hedman, T. (2019). Soft palate modification using a collagen crosslinking reagent for equine dorsal displacement of the soft palate and other upper airway breathing disorders. International Journal of Biomaterials, Article ID 9310890.
  • Hedman, T., Yu, J., Singh, H., & Deer, T. (2023). Early clinical results of intervertebral joint stabilization by injectable load-sharing polymers. Journal of Pain Research, 16, 2777-2789.
  • Skoblar, M., Hedman, T., Rogers, A.J., Jasper, G.P., & Beall, D.P. (2023). Instrumented posterior arthrodesis of the lumbar spine: Prospective study evaluating fusion outcomes in patients receiving an interspinous fixation device for the treatment of degenerative spine diseases. Journal of Pain Research, 16, 2909-2918.
  • Hedman, T.P., Ohnmeiss, D.D., Leasure, J., Raji, O.R., & Hochschuler, S.H. (2023). Interspinous-interbody fusion via a strictly lateral surgical approach: A biomechanical stabilization comparison to constructs requiring both lateral and posterior approaches. Cureus, 15(7), e41918.

Peer Reviewed Published Short Communications

 

  • Kostuik, J.P., Hedman, T.P., Hellier, W.G., & Fernie, G.R. (1991). Design of an Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis. Orthop. Trans., 15, 231-232.
  • Hedman, T.P., Liao, W.L., Yu, J., Watkins, R., & Liker, M. (1999). Strength Reduction of the Posterior Intervertebral Disc Resulting from Repetitive Sub-Failure Loading. Orthop. Trans., 24, 1017.
  • Hedman, T.P., Samudrala, S., & Liker, M. (2000). Failed Posterior Spinal Fusion: The Role of Vertebral Bone Mineral Density and Laminar Hardness on Cable Tension Loss. Orthop. Trans., 25, 0313.
  • Mirzayan, R., Panossian, V., Chen, J., Hedman, T., & Tibone, J.E. (2000). The Effect of Estrogen on the Rabbit Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Biomechanical Study. Orthop. Trans., 25, 0313.
  • Shepherd, L.E., Zalavras, C., Greene, N., Lee, J., Hedman, T.P., Gelalis, I., & Patzakis, M.J. (2000). Intramedullary Pressure During Unreamed and Reamed Nailing of the Femur: Is There a Difference? A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Study. Journal of the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, 51(2).
  • Gray, D., & Hedman, T.P. (2001). Non-destructive testing techniques used to assess the degradation of intervertebral discs subjected to non-traumatic repetitive loads. Proceedings of the XVIIIth Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, 5, P646.
  • Chu, F., Khoo, L., & Hedman, T.P. (2001). Lumbar fusion affects loading of the adjacent intervertebral joint. Proceedings of the XVIIIth Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, 11, 0535.
  • Hedman, T.P., & Gray, D. (2002). Quantification of intervertebral disc degradation resulting from fatigue. Orthop. Trans., 27, 0120.
  • Hedman, T.P., Chuang, S-Y., Syed, B., & Gray, D. (2003). Biomechanical benefits of crosslink augmentation in spinal discs. IMECE Proceedings, IMECE2003-43256.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Le, D.H., & Hedman, T.P. (2004). Viscoelastic recovery and hydration in rat-tail intercaudal discs. Orthopaedic Transactions, 29, 1120.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Huoh, M., Vo, C., & Hedman, T.P. (2004). Viscoelastic homogeneity in rat tail intercaudal discs. Orthopaedic Transactions, 29, 1149.
  • Hedman, T.P., & Chuang, S-Y. (2004). Exogenous crosslinking decreases neutral zone in intervertebral discs. Orthopaedic Transactions, 29, 1166.
  • Hedman, T.P., Saito, H., & Chuang, S. (2005). Can exogenous crosslinking resist curve progression in scoliosis? Orthopaedic Transactions, 30, 1593.
  • Hedman, T.P., Odono, R., Shung, K., & Chuang, S-Y. (2006). Effects of exogenous crosslinking on compressive load sharing in the intervertebral disc. Ortho. Trans., 31, 0051.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Odono, R., & Hedman, T. (2006). Effect of exogenous crosslinking on in vitro tensile and compressive material properties of lumbar intervertebral discs. Orthopaedic Trans., 31, 1238.
  • Hedman, T.P., Saito, H., & Chuang, S-Y. (2006). Matrix modification increases hydraulic permeability of the annulus fibrosus. Orthopaedic Trans., 31, 1241.
  • Hedman, T.P., Chuang, S-Y., & Johnson, J.P. (2006). Preclinical Evaluation Of A Novel, Injectable Collagen Crosslinking Technique To Prevent Idiopathic, Degenerative And Iatrogenic Spinal Deformity. Spine J., 6(5 Suppl), 34S.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Lin, L-C., Wu, S-S., Popovich, J., & Hedman, T. (2007). The Biomechanical Properties and Stability of Lumbar Motion Segments Following Posterior Decompression Surgery. Orthopaedic Trans., 32, 1025.
  • Chuang, S-Y., Wang, S-J., Lin, L-C., Shung, K.K., & Hedman, T. (2007). The Measurement of Internal and External Strains of Intervertebral Disc under Compressive Creep Loading. Sixth Combined Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Societies.
  • Hedman, T., Han, B., Popovich, J., & Loree, H. (2008). In vivo validation of collagen crosslink augmentation in a rat-tail model. Orthopaedic Trans., 33, 339.
  • Welcher, J.W., Popovich, J.M., Hedman, T.P., & Tawackoli, W. (2008). Development and validation of a versatile intra-articular pressure sensing array. American Society of Biomechanics Annual Conference.
  • Zhu, K., Slusarewicz, P., & Hedman, T. (2009). Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis of Crosslinking in Disc Annulus Treated with Various Reagents. Orthopaedic Trans., 34, 1671.
  • Slusarewicz, P., Zhu, K., & Hedman, T. (2009). Comparative Analysis and Optimization of Various Protein Crosslinking Agents With Regard to Their Ability to Crosslink Annulus Tissue. Orthopaedic Trans., 34, 1672.
  • Golightly, J., Criscione, J., & Hedman, T. (2009). Effects of Collagen Crosslinking on Annulus Fibrosus Mechanical Properties. Orthopaedic Trans., 34, 1673.
  • Kirking, B., Toungate, J., Slusarewicz, P., Zhu, K., & Hedman, T. (2009). The Effects of Different Crosslinking Agents on the Tensile Properties of the Annulus Fibrosus. Orthopaedic Trans., 34, 1676.
  • Kirking, B., Toungate, J., Slusarewicz, P., Zhu, K., & Hedman, T. (2010). The Effect of Chemical Crosslinking Agent Injection on Intervertebral Disc Bulge. Orthopaedic Trans., 35, 1560.
  • Kirking, B., Toungate, J., Slusarewicz, P., Zhu, K., & Hedman, T. (2010). The Effect of an Injected Chemical Crosslinker on the Stability of the Intervertebral Disc. Orthopaedic Trans., 35, 1577.
  • Hedman, T., Toungate, J., Duke, J., & Kirking, B. (2011). Testing the Adhesion Bond Strength of Genipin Treated Collagen. Orthopaedic Trans., 36, 1901.
  • Toungate, J., Zhang, Y., Slusarewicz, P., & Hedman, T. (2011). Effect of Genipin Crosslinking on the Retention of Proteoglycans on the Intervertebral Disc. New Horizons in Intervertebral Disc Research, 44.
  • Bader, J., Slusarewicz, P., & Hedman, T. (2013). Mechanical Effect of Exogenous Crosslinking on Equine Tendons with Chemically Induced Core Lesions. Orthopaedic Trans., 38, 597.
  • Sundararaj, S., Slusarewicz, P., Brown, M., & Hedman, T. (2015). Genipin Crosslinker Releasing Sutures for Improving the Mechanical/Repair Strength of Damaged Connective Tissue. Orthopaedic Trans., 40, 1354A.
  • Brown, M., Racadio, J., Sundararaj, S., & Hedman, T. (2016). Long Term Biocompatibility of Intradiscal Injections with Genipin in Ovine Model. Orthopaedic Trans., 41, 871.
  • Hedman, T., Brown, M., Racadio, J., & Singh, H. (2017). Early Clinical Results of Genipin Crosslinking Treatment for Low Back Pain. Orthopaedic Trans., 42, 871.
  • Singh, H., Racadio, J., Brown, M., & Hedman, T. (2017). Six-month safety and efficacy of genipin crosslinking treatment for chronic low back pain. Spine J, 17, S206.