Orthopaedic Research Newsletter

September 2025

Annual Summer Picinic

Island Park

Ann Arbor, Michigan, August 11, 2025

The Orthopaedic Surgery Research Service (OSRS) held its annual summer picnic on Monday, August 11, at the Island Park Pavilion. It was a wonderful opportunity for the team to step away from the lab and enjoy time together in a relaxing outdoor setting. The afternoon featured great food, fun games, and numerous opportunities to catch up with colleagues. Families joined in activities such as swimming and lawn games, while others took the chance to unwind in the shade and enjoy conversations. The picnic was a meaningful way to celebrate our successes, strengthen connections, and make the most of a beautiful summer day.

Research Highlight

Karl Jepsen, PhD

Associate Dean for Research, U-M Medical School

Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering

Chair, Research and Academic Safety Committee

Karl Jepsen, PhD

Associate Dean for Research, U-M Medical School

Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering

Chair, Research and Academic Safety Committee

Research interests: Dr. Jepsen's primary research interest is to provide a voice to osteoporosis, which has traditionally been considered a silent disease. His team has applied principles of complex adaptive systems to systematically evaluate how bone establishes function during growth and then maintains that function through the midlife and with aging. Preclinical models identified patterns in the way bone coordinately adjusts multiple bone traits simultaneously. This coordination has provided novel insight into refining the ability to identify individuals with low bone mass during growth and aging. This coordination has also provided novel insight into different proportions of bone loss and bone gain with aging that have biomechanical implications but are not reflected in bone mineral density (BMD). This work (highlighted below) leveraged nearly 15 years of longitudinally acquired data for women and men and replicated in 5 populations. Collectively, the preclinical, translational, and clinical studies have identified a biomarker that is present during growth and that may allow us to refine current low bone mass diagnostics including moving the window for diagnosing osteoporosis decades earlier, when intervention strategies may be more effective.

Recent study that summarizes how basic science research can be translated to clinical research (J Bone Miner Res. 2025 Jun 28:zjaf090. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbmr/zjaf090). There is an accompanying editorial that highlights this work (Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, zjaf101, https://doi.org/10.1093/jbmr/zjaf090):

Osteoporosis management relies heavily on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) to identify women and men with reduced bone strength. His team tested the hypothesis that baseline femoral neck (FN) external size is associated with different bone-loss and area-gain trajectories that are not reflected in aBMD-decline but that have different biomechanical implications. An analysis of hip DXA images collected over 10-15 years for four independently managed longitudinal studies identified unique patterns of age-related structural changes within populations of women and men that were associated with baseline external bone size but not reflected in aBMD-loss. Older women and men in the widest tertile were 2-4 times more likely to fracture a hip compared to the narrowest tertile. Unique patterns of age-related structural changes with different biomechanical implications were identified within populations of women and men. These results provide evidence that age-related structural changes are heterogeneous within populations of women and men. Based on prior studies assessing long bone strength. The data suggested that any strength advantage of wider femoral necks at baseline may be lost with aging. In contrast, the data also suggested the strength of narrower femoral necks may be maintained with aging despite showing a loss of aBMD. The results of this study strongly advocate for developing new diagnostic measures that reflect these unique structural changes to more consistently monitor changes in bone health with aging. These results challenge the general assumption that age-related structural changes are homogenous within a population and question whether aBMD-declines reflect strength-declines consistently among women and men. How these unique patterns of structural change affect the response of women and men to osteoporosis interventions remains to be determined.

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Stephanie Steltzer!

2025 Kayner Award

Stephanie is a rising fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Michigan. She conducts her research in the Killian and Abraham Laboratories, where she investigates the role of oxygen in tendon and enthesis matrix deposition. Her work leverages advanced two- and three-dimensional in vitro microphysiological systems, engineered within the laboratory, as well as in vivo rodent models of development and surgical injury. Steph has presented her research at prominent forums, including the Michigan Integrative Musculoskeletal Health Core Center Symposium and international conferences such as the Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting. Her scientific contributions have been recognized with awards from the Orthoregeneration/Orthopaedic Research Society and the Michigan Space Grant Consortium (NASA). Beyond her dissertation work, Steph has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship, guiding undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in research and professional development. She has also held leadership roles in several organizations, including the Wolverine Venture Fund, miLEAD Consulting Group, Zell Founders Fund, and Nucleate. In her final year of doctoral studies, Steph is completing a commercialization fellowship with Fast Forward Medical Innovation. This experience is preparing her for a career in industry, with a focus on facilitating the translation of biomedical innovations from the research bench to clinical practice.

Congratulations, Sarah Boston!

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management

Congratulations to Sarah on the remarkable accomplishment of earning her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, magna cum laude, from Walden University! This milestone is a true reflection of her hard work, determination, and pursuit of excellence, showcasing the dedication she has demonstrated throughout her academic journey.

Welcome New Orthopaedic Research Fellows!

Jinha Kwon, PhD (he/him)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Lang Lab

Jinha joins the Lang Laboratory as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, bringing expertise in musculoskeletal research and biomaterials development and characterization. His doctoral work focused on nanoscale bone tissue characterization using advanced atomic force microscopy, while his postdoctoral training at Cornell University involved developing photothermal nanoparticles for therapeutic applications. Jinha earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a dual M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from The Ohio State University, followed by postdoctoral training at Cornell University. In the Lang Lab, he will focus on developing drug delivery systems and programmable biomaterials, establishing methods for assessing oxygen levels in musculoskeletal tissue, investigating erythroid progenitors both in vitro and in vivo, and testing AFM approaches for fracture repair scenarios.

Outside of the lab, Jinha enjoys spending time with his wife Oki and their two kids, five-year-old Hayden and three-year-old Hailey. He also practices Kendo, the Japanese martial art.

Sophie Orr, PhD (she/her)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Killian Lab

Sophie received her MS in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota and her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, Davis. Her main research areas focused on musculoskeletal adaptations to unloading, such as bedrest, wheelchair usage, and spaceflight, as well as the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonist medication on these responses. Additionally, Sophie is actively exploring how to increase access to care for higher weight individuals by investigating both medical and social barriers. She is excited to explore these topics and many more during her time as a postdoc in Dr. Megan Killian’s lab. Outside of work, Sophie enjoys video games, ceramics, Formula 1, and searching for cute coffee shops.

Community Engagement

The Breakfast Program at St. Andrew's

On August 7, the North Campus Research Complex Laboratory supported our community by volunteering with the St. Andrew’s Breakfast Program. This non-profit group feeds the local population ‘breakfast’ every day of the year, including holidays. This meal not only includes breakfast items, but also more substantial, high-quality, protein-packed foods as well.

Our group was there for about 3 hours and made egg casseroles, turkey meatballs, chili, soup stock, burritos, and pancake batter. When a large amount of food like this is made, a lot of it is put into the freezer for future use when help might be in short supply. Thank you to all our volunteers and to Sue Nishi, their wonderful Program Director! Learn more about the breakfast program by clicking the link: https://breakfastatstandrews.org/

Resource Spotlight

3D Printing (SLA) Services and Training

Housed in BSRB 2261, we have a Form 4 Steriolithography (SLA) 3D printer capable of printing a wide variety of solid materials (Powders and Resins for 3D Printing | Formlabs). This is meant for use by trained personnel affiliated with Orthopaedic Surgery who may do repeated fabrication work, or we can take requests for one-off projects. Reach out to cslocke@umich.edu for more information on training or to inquire about a custom build.

Recent Publications

Jepsen, K.J., T.L. Bredbenner, C.A. Karvonen-Gutierrez, et al. “Femoral Neck Width Is Associated with Unique Trajectories of Age-Related Hip Structural Changes and Fracture Risk within Populations of Adult Women and Men.” J Bone Miner Res (England), ahead of print, June 2025. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbmr/zjaf090.
Abesteh, J., M. Al-Asadi, H. Abdel Khalik, et al. “The Continuous Fragility Index of Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Repair Augmentation Randomized Trials: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 34, no. 7 (July 2025): e592–600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2024.11.003.
Best, C.S.W., W. Liu, T. Huang, and K.C. Chung. “Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in the Hand.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 13, no. 7 (July 2025). https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000006926.
Chan, T.K.K., D. Portney, T. Mamdouhi, C.A. Janney, and K.C. Chung. “Comparison of Incremental Costs and Medicare Reimbursement for Intra- Versus Extra-Articular Distal Radius Fracture Surgery Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing.” Journal of Hand Surgery 50, no. 7 (July 2025): 829–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.04.004.
Chi, F., S. Takagi, T. Mochizuki, H. Kawashima, R. Malhotra, and J.D. Blaha. “The Quadriceps Vector in the Lower Extremity of Indian Patients Is Similar in Caucasian and Japanese Patients.” Journal of Arthroplasty 40, no. 7 (July 2025): S381–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.03.020.
Colwell, J.L., M.M. Florczynski, J.M. Riggs, H.M. Kim, P.B. Burns, and K.C. Chung. “Outcomes of All-Dorsal Augmented Intercarpal Ligament Reconstruction.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 1 (July 2025): 77–89. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011912.
Gong, D.C., B.P. Richey, E.A. Stern, et al. “The Impact of Total Hip Arthroplasty on Lumbar-Specific Outcomes and Complications in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Fusion: A Systematic Review.” World Neurosurgery 199 (July 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2025.124076.
Huang, C., M.N. Cichocki, and K.C. Chung. “How to Cultivate a Thriving Work Culture.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 1 (2025): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012018.
Kasitinon, D., T. Cleland, R. Enriquez, et al. “Ultrasound-Guided Tibiotalar Joint Injection Technique.” American Journal of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation 104, no. 7 (July 2025): e109. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002636.
Kasitinon, D., R. Williams, V. Peraka, L. Özçakar, and N.B. Jain. “Accuracy and Efficacy of Intra-Articular Knee Injections/Aspirations Under Ultrasound versus Landmark Guidance: A Systematic Review.” Am J Phys Med Rehabil (United States), ahead of print, (July 2025). https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002803.
Killian, M.L. “Student Paper Competition of the 2024 Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference.” Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 147, no. 7 (July 2025). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4068758.
Paull, T.Z., M.J. Weaver, B.J. Comer, et al. “Uncemented Total Knee Arthroplasty in the State of Michigan Has Higher Rates of Revision Through 5-Year Follow-Up.” Journal of Arthroplasty 40, no. 7 (July 2025): S263–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.03.007.
Rajabzadeh-Oghaz, H., J. Elwell, B. Schoch, et al. “Clinical Validation of a Computed Tomography Image-Based Machine Learning Model for Segmentation and Quantification of Shoulder Muscles.” Algorithms 18, no. 7 (July 2025). https://doi.org/10.3390/a18070432.
Rajabzadeh-Oghaz, H., J. Elwell, B. Schoch, et al. “Radiomic Analysis of the Deltoid and Scapula: Identification of CT-Image Based Measurements Predictive of Pain, Motion, and Function Before and After Shoulder Arthroplasty.” JSES International, ahead of print, Elsevier, July 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseint.2025.06.014.
Whitney, D.G. “Prognostic Comparison between GMFCS and WCI for 5-Year Risks of 22 Relevant Health Outcomes for Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Expanding the Methodological Menu for Prognostic Model Research.” Disability and Health Journal 18, no. 3 (July 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101783.
Willimon, S.C., P.L. Wilson, M. Quinn, et al. “Completely Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures with Skin Tenting in Adolescents.” Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 107, no. 14 (July 2025): 1553–60. https://doi.org/10.2106/jbjs.24.00083.
Wojtys, E.M. “Bigger Than Ever.” Sports Health 17, no. 4 (July 2025): 655–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381251346360.
Wong, G.C., C.M. Cullen, H.M. Kim, A.S. Colwell, and K.C. Chung. “A Critical Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial Quality in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 1 (July 2025): 147–56. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011864.
Xu, J., A.M. de Araujo, R. Xi, et al. “Gustatory-Neuron-Supplied R-Spondin-2 Is Required for Taste Bud Replenishment.” Stem Cell Reports 20, no. 7 (July 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2025.102542.
Adik, K., N.A. Adams, A.K. Srivastava, et al. “Increasing Use of Cemented Stems Is Associated With Reduced Early Fracture After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative Study.” Journal of Arthroplasty 40, no. 8 (August 2025): S84–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.03.087.
Cornish, E.R., H. Zheng, D.C. Markel, B.R. Hallstrom, and R.E. Hughes. “Variation in KOOS JR Improvement across Total Knee Implant Designs: A Cohort Study from Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative.” Acta Orthop (Sweden) 96 (August 2025): 587–94. https://doi.org/10.2340/17453674.2025.44250.
Hooper, R.C., S.C. Haase, S.K. Mithani, M. Palazzo, and K.C. Chung. “Contemporary Management of Distal Radius Fractures: What All Plastic Surgeons Should Know.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 2 (August 2025): 233–45. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011715.
Huynh, K.A., and K.C. Chung. “Ballistic Injuries in the Civilian Population.” Hand Clinics 41, no. 3 (August 2025): 263–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2025.03.001.
Johnson, A., and J. Waldmuller. BLOG in Podiatry Today. Adaptive Wound Care and Sports Medicine: A Convergence of Care. Https://Www.Hmpgloballearningnetwork.Com/Site/Podiatry/Blog/Adaptive-Wound-Care-and-Sports-Medicine-Convergence-Care. August 2025.
Kasitinon, D., T. Cleland, R. Enriquez, et al. “Ultrasound-Guided Intra-Articular Knee Injection.” American Journal of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation 104, no. 8 (August 2025): e125. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002630.
Klosterman, E.L., A.J. Tagliero, I.S. MacLean, et al. “Arthroscopic Inlay Suprapectoral vs. Mini-Open Onlay Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis: A Prospective, Randomized Analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Ultrasound-Assessed Structural Integrity.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 34, no. 8 (August 2025): 1961–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2024.11.014.
Lenders, J., P. Rajaram, B.W. Henry, A.L. Gornitzky, and Y. Li. “Public Insurance Status Is Associated With Lower Bracing Treatment Success in Infants With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.” Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics 45, no. 7 (August 2025): e599–605. https://doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0000000000002925.
Miller, A.J., and K.C. Chung. “Upper-Extremity Ballistic Injuries.” Hand Clinics 41, no. 3 (August 2025): xi–xii. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2025.05.001.
Nasser, J.S., and K.C. Chung. “Epidemiology of Ballistic Upper Extremity Injuries: Identifying Factors and Future Strategies.” Hand Clinics 41, no. 3 (August 2025): 281–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2025.03.003.
Prill, R., C.B. Ma, S.E. Wong, et al. “The Formal EU-US Meniscus Rehabilitation 2024 Consensus: An ESSKA-AOSSM-AASPT Initiative. Part II—Prevention, Non-Operative Treatment and Return to Sport.” Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy 33, no. 8 (August 2025): 3014–24. https://doi.org/10.1002/ksa.12689.
Rivedal, D.D., M.N. Cichocki, Y. Tong, L. Wang, and K.C. Chung. “Interfacility Competition and Its Impact on Cost of Carpal Tunnel Release.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 2 (August 2025): 215–24. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011727.
Sawar, K., and K.C. Chung. “Teaching a Surgeon to Think Like a Monk.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 2 (August 2025): 201–7. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012113.
Seta, J.F., M.J. Weaver, B.R. Hallstrom, et al. “Intraoperative Irrigation and Topical Antibiotic Use Fail to Reduce Early Periprosthetic Joint Infection Rates: A Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative Study.” Journal of Arthroplasty 40, no. 8 (August 2025): S297-S303.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.03.062.
Uppal, H., D. Markel, G. Melone, et al. “Site of Service Changes Have Resulted in Increased Opioid Prescriptions for Primary Total Hip and Knee Patients in Michigan, a Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative Quality Study.” Arthroplasty Today 34 (August 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artd.2025.101771.
White, M.S., S.A. Garcia, Y. Pang, C.M. Casey, R.M. Palmieri-Smith, and L.K. Lepley. “Patellofemoral Cartilage Changes Are Not Associated With Quadriceps Metrics After ACLR With Patellar Tendon Autografts.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research 43, no. 8 (August 2025): 1432–41. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.26102.
Nellis, J.Z., W.R. Aibinder, and J.E. Carpenter. “Systematic Review of Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes: What Sample Size Is Meaningful?” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 34, no. 8 (August 2025): e713–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2024.11.029.
Nijsure, M.P., B. Tobin, D.L. Jones, et al. “YAP Regulates Transcriptional Programs for Layer-Specific Periosteal Expansion during Fracture Repair.” Sci Adv (United States) 11, no. 32 (August 2025): eadw0126. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adw0126.

Upcoming Funding Opportunities and Deadlines

NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed): PA-20-185
NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required): PA-20-184
NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Required): PA-20-183
NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed): PA-20-195
NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required): PA-20-194
NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required): PA-20-196

Self-Care September

This September, Action for Happiness is all about "Self-Care September"—a little reminder that looking after yourself matters just as much as looking after others. Try getting outside to boost your mood, or stick to the basics like eating well, moving your body, and getting enough sleep. Challenge yourself to practice self-care at least twice this month—you deserve it!

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”