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.

Submit the student research interest form

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

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Craig Campbell moved to his new bed in the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion
News Release

University of Michigan Health opens D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion for patient care

On Sunday, Nov, 23, staff and volunteers moved more than 150 patients into the University of Michigan Health D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion. This marked the official opening of the new 12-story inpatient hospital on the U-M medical campus.
A drone image of the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion
News Release

University of Michigan Health will host public open house for new hospital: the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion

University of Michigan Health is hosting a public open house to celebrate its newest hospital, the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion, on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, M.D.
Medical School News

Neubacher Award recipient aims to give everyone access to reach their potential

Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, M.D., is the 2025 recipient of the Neubacher Award, presented annually to a U-M faculty or staff member, student or alumni who has exhibited leadership in support of the disability community.
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Health Lab

Two pediatric cancer patients become close friends during treatment

Landen Silveus and Donovan Sheedy met while being treated for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects adolescents. They supported each other through chemotherapy and surgery.
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Health Lab

Using a toe for a thumb: Lawn mower accident results in 6-year-old's new digit

A lawnmower accident left Dawson Yacks without a thumb and two fingers. Using his second toe, a University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital surgeon was able to make him a new one.
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Health Lab

A lifelong bond between a patient and surgeon

Discover how a rare disease brought patient advocate Michaela Davert and University of Michigan Health orthopedic surgeon Michelle Caird together in a 16-year partnership rooted in trust, resilience and advocacy for osteogenesis imperfecta.