Research

URMC has a distinguished history of musculoskeletal research led by experienced physicians and biomedical scientists. The creation of the Center for Musculoskeletal Research in 2000 formalized a 25-year history of multidisciplinary, comprehensive research for bettering musculoskeletal health for the patients of today and tomorrow.

The Center is comprised of highly integrated faculty from a variety of departments, including Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, and Medicine (Rheumatology and Endocrinology).

Principle investigators from these various departments share research space and facilities and work in a programmatic manner to address the most challenging questions in orthopaedic science. Our commitment is not only to the highest quality research. As faculty of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, our mission also includes training young investigators in the process of discovery so that there will always be a flow of clinicians and scientists devoted to advancing musculoskeletal health.

The diversity of interests of our faculty provides a breadth of research expertise. From developmental pathways to medical problems associated with complex fractures and artificial joints, we are unraveling the mysteries of musculoskeletal health and applying new insights into treatment options for our patients. Our comprehensive and highly integrated approach has resulted in funding success and recognition.

In 2006, we gained unique status as a Center of Research Translation (CORT). Because we are ideally suited to translate orthopaedic science into improved patient care, we will use our CORT status to expand and diversify clinical trials of cutting-edge treatment options. The Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation has consistently ranked in the top NIH-funded programs in the United States. In 2009, a bevy of new research grants solidified our national leadership position.  A continuation of success in obtaining large grants provides numerous research opportunities for orthopaedic residents, both in and out of the laboratory.

Our residency program has been very successful in resident research productivity, and most residents present their research at one or more national meetings.  For instance, it is not unusual for twelve orthopaedic residents in our program to have presentations at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.