FEB. 19, 2002 | The Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute will be a ‘one-stop shop’ for state-of-the-art medical and surgical treatment for the spine.

T. Glenn Pait, M.D., the founding director, said today that he envisions the institute will rapidly become a major facility for life-enhancing diagnosis and treatment for persons who need medical or surgical intervention for spine problems.

“We will help active patients who develop spine problems remain active and free of chronic pain. Trauma patients can recover from injury, and sufferers of back pain can find relief,” he said.

The building will contain the Center for the Athletic and Aging Spine, which will focus on spine and back problems for patients of all ages, and it will include facilities for “pre-habilitation” programs that prepare surgery patients for post-operative success and recovery. The departments of Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery will be located on three of the planned 12 floors along with interdisciplinary programs related to problems of the spine and in the neurosciences. Basic and clinical research labs, outpatient clinical facilities, information technology support systems, and conference facilities for educational seminars and symposia will be incorporated into the building.

The architect's rendering of the building shows twin towers on its façade – a design feature derived from the anatomy of the human spine. According to Eugene P. Levy, CEO and Project Designer for Cromwell Architects Engineers, Inc. in Little Rock, the towers contain the "nerve-like supporting pathways" of the building – its electrical and mechanical systems. Vertebrae-like motifs, 24 of them, are incorporated into the design of the twin towers on the façade, which replicates the number of vertebrae in the human spine. CDI Contractors Inc. of Little Rock began construction in June 2000. The Institute is scheduled for completion in January 2003.