Orthopaedic Surgery Research
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Leading Advances in Musculoskeletal Science & Care

Welcome to where biologists, engineers, and clinicians work together to improve the treatment or prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and diseases.

Within the World’s Leading Center for Musculoskeletal Research

Led by international leaders in musculoskeletal research, the University of Michigan Medical School Department of Orthopaedic Surgery houses one of the world's leading centers for musculoskeletal research. In addition to a large clinical faculty of orthopedic surgeons actively engaged in research, several full-time research faculty are experts in engineering, cell biology and epidemiology. 

Our clinicians and scientists work closely together in the discovery of new treatments to accelerate musculoskeletal tissue healing, improve the utilization and effectiveness of healthcare delivery and develop new strategies to prevent injuries and diseases.

The heart of our department, Orthopaedic Research Laboratories (ORL), is a consortium encompassing our molecular, cellular, physiologic, bio-engineering, and pre-clinical imaging research. Each faculty member here maintains an independent research laboratory and shares an extensive collaborative space with cutting-edge research equipment and resources. 

 

Basic Science Research

Cellular and molecular regulation of bone cell differentiation, matrix formation, and response to mechanical loading

Faculty conducting research in this area: Abraham, Alford, Goldstein, Hankenson, Jepsen, Killian, Kozloff, Maerz

Micro and nano-CT imaging

Faculty conducting research in this area: Goldstein, Jepsen, Kozloff

Mechanisms of communication from the extracellular matrix to the cell nucleus and regulation of gene expression.

Faculty conducting research in this area: Alford, Goldstein, Hankenson

Mechanisms of skeletal muscle and tendon force production and force transmission and control of tissue growth and atrophy.

Faculty conducting research in this area: Killian

Using stem cells to engineer new bone, cartilage, and ligament tissue. 

Faculty conducting research in this area: Alford, Bedi, Goldstein, Hankenson, Miller, Wojtys

Featured News & Stories See all news Closeup of knee with caregiver holding the joint and examining it.
Health Lab
Lipid mediator Maresin 1 helps improve muscle regeneration
How lipid mediators -- potent regulators of the immune response after an injury -- varied with the acute loss of a large volume of skeletal muscle, also known as volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the focus of new research from the University of Michigan.
Orthopaedic Surgery Class of 2029
Department News
Meet the Orthopaedic Surgery Class of 2029
We extend a warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations to the Orthopaedic Surgery Class of 2029!
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Health Lab
Primary care scarcity linked to more surgical emergencies, problems
Patients living in areas with the worst shortages of primary care providers are more likely to have emergency surgery, surgical complications and hospital readmissions.
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Health Lab
Is surgery the best option for ruptured Achilles tendons in young adults?
Achilles tendon ruptures are normally treated with surgical procedures, but there are other options with equal outcomes.
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Health Lab
Worries about costs, time off work and COVID-19 kept some older adults from having surgery
Elective surgery study shows older adults have concerns about what it will cost them, how much work they’ll miss and whether they’ll catch COVID-19.
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Health Lab
Breaking the curve
A Michigan Medicine expert calls for comprehensive scoliosis awareness and care.