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. 

 
Interested in Orthopaedic Research

Please fill out the form to learn more about the research opportunities.

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Our Laboratories

The University of Michigan Medical School Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has various laboratories that support our faculty in conducting cutting edge research in musculoskeletal healthcare.
  • Maerz Lab
  • Kozloff Lab
  • Killian Lab
  • Jepsen Lab
  • Hankenson Lab
  • Alford Lab
    • 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
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    $3.2M NIH grant to enable more accurate identification of bone fracture risk
    The multi-institution grant will establish a novel approach to identify individuals at increased risk of hip fragility fractures.
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    Health Lab
    Properly treating, and recovering, from pediatric sports injuries
    A kid's orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist gives parents tips to make sure their children get the care they need when injured and have an effective recovery.
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    Health Lab
    Returning to physical activity after first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis
    First metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis procedures are a common surgical intervention used to treat pain associated at the first metatarsophalangeal joint associated with degenerative changes. Michigan researchers reviewed standing research on how long it took for patients to return to physical activities after first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis to find an average time frame that could be given to patients for how long it takes.