Praxis is advancing SCI research and care through the Praxis-led Canadian National SCI Registry (RHSCIR), which has 16,240 participants across 30 major trauma and rehabilitation centres nationwide. This work has expanded to include the Imaging Repository Sub-study, linking spine MRI scans with clinical data to explore alternative outcome measurement (biomarker) when early neurological assessments are not possible. There are 12 centres participating in the sub-study, with technical leadership provided by Dr. Julien Cohen-Adad from Polytechnique Montréal, and clinical leadership from Dr. David Cadotte from University of Calgary. A recently published paper on the Imaging Repository offers a protocol, a blueprint for responsibly standardizing and sharing data, demonstrating the feasibility (and necessity) of a national imaging resource to support SCI research.

 

Connecting Networks to Better Understand Patient Pathways

Praxis’ work with the Canadian Spine Society and the Canadian Spine Outcomes Research Network (CSORN) also demonstrates how shared data infrastructure can support learning and care. CSORN focuses on surgical spine conditions, with SCI representing a smaller part of its scope.

Praxis supports CSORN by providing data hosting services, targeted project management, and data extraction assistance as well as working in partnership on research areas of mutual interest. Because many clinicians and centres participate in both the CSORN and RHSCIR networks, this collaboration creates natural points of connection.

One overlapping focus area is degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a degenerative condition that can lead to non-traumatic SCI. CSORN primarily collects data on acute surgical spine care, while Praxis captures rehabilitation data through its SCI Registry. Together, these complementary datasets can provide a more holistic picture, allowing researchers to better understand different phases and pathways of care.

Building on this, a team behind a Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded DCM study has expressed interest in leveraging the imaging repository model to support their work.

Creating a Repeatable Model for SCI Research and Care

By standardizing and responsibly sharing imaging data, navigating complex ethics and governance requirements, and building research capacity, Praxis has created a repeatable model supporting progress collectively, rather than advancing one isolated solution.

“A big win for us has been creating a process and blueprint that others can follow,” adds Humphreys.