Research Interest Groups (RIGs) facilitate the thoughtful exchange of ideas within the global, multi-disciplinary community of the ORS. They provide opportunities for engaging in informative, transformative, and live discussions with colleagues in specific areas of musculoskeletal research, whether it be basic, applied, clinical, and/or orthopaedic. To explore content that complements or differs from the ORS Annual Meeting, RIGs are encouraged to focus on unique approaches, methodologies, diseases, or connections that inspire brainstorming across our multi-disciplinary groups
Friday, March 27
Friday, March 27
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Organizer: Edward Schwarz
This meeting will be held to vote on questions proposed to the group.
Sunday, March 29
Sunday, March 29
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Organizers: Koyal Garg, PhD, Saint Louis University, Michael McClure, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University, Karina Nakayama, PhD, Oregon Health and Science University
Traumatic skeletal muscle injuries present significant challenges in clinical settings due to incomplete recovery and loss of limb function. Biomaterials designed to support muscle regeneration offer a promising solution by providing both mechanical support to the injured tissue and necessary biological cues to stimulate regenerative processes. To effectively repair traumatized musculature, biomaterial therapeutics should not only enhance myofiber regeneration but also promote angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and immunomodulation. The inclusion of cells, growth factors, and topographical cues in biomaterials can further enhance their regenerative potential.
Speakers:
George J. Christ, PhD, University of Virginia
Development of Regenerative Biomaterials for Functional Recovery Following Volumetric Muscle Loss (VML) Injury
Warren L. Grayson, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Neuromuscular Regeneration in Response to Volumetric Muscle Loss
Kaitlyn Sadtler, PhD, National Institutes of Health
Regulation of Autoimmunity After Volumetric Muscle Loss Injury and Biomaterial Treatment
Sunday, March 29
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Organizers: Jeffry S. Nyman, PhD, Vanderbilt University, Christopher J. Hernandez, PhD, University of California, San Francisco, Rachel K. Surowiec, PhD, Purdue University
Current effective interventions to enhance bone health focus on increasing bone mass or bone mineral density (BMD) in people clinically diagnosed with osteoporosis. However, up to half of fragility fractures occur in individuals with a BMD that does not qualify as osteoporosis. The goal of this RIG is to discuss the latest advances in improving the prediction of an individual’s fracture risk and in using changes in BMD as a surrogate end-point of clinical trials to prevent fragility fractures.
Speakers:
Mary L. Bouxsein, PhD, Harvard Medical School
Update from the Study to Advance BMD as a Regulatory Endpoint (SABRE)
Galateia J. Kazakia, PhD, University of California, San Francisco
HR-pQCT Measures of Trabecular and Cortical Microstructure in the Assessments of Fracture Risk, Disease Progression, and Treatment Efficacy
Simon Tang, PhD, Washington University
Can We Predict Fragility Fractures Through Indentation-Based Measurements of Bone Material Quality?
Monday, March 30
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Organizers: John Hamilton MD, PhD, Rush University, Adrienn Markovics MD, PhD, Rush University, Lauren Priddy PhD, Mississippi State University
Despite significant scientific progress and investment, bacterial biofilms remain a central obstacle to the effective management of musculoskeletal infections. This session addresses a critical question: What will it take to defeat biofilms? We aim to examine the entire translational continuum—from biological understanding and preclinical models to clinical trials and product adoption—highlighting the standards, challenges, and collaborative opportunities that will define the next wave of anti-biofilm innovations.
Speakers:
Sarah Rowe-Conlon, PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
How Do We Currently Measure Anti-Biofilm Activity In Vitro—And Is It Enough?
Lauren Priddy PhD, Mississippi State University
How Do We Evaluate Anti-Biofilm Therapies in Animal Models—And How Well Do Those Models Prepare Us for Success in Humans?
John Hamilton, MD, PhD, Rush University
Emerging Anti-Biofilm Strategies: What’s Advancing to or in Clinical Trials
Jesse Otero MD, PhD, OrthoCarolina
How Do We Define Success in Clinical Trials for Treating Biofilm-Related Infections—And What Are We Already Using Against Biofilms in Clinical Practice?
Steve St. Onge PharmD, MBA, Clarametyx Biosciences
From Bench to Bedside: Advancing Anti-Biofilm Therapeutics Through Regulatory and Commercial Hurdles
Sunday, March 29
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Organizers: Sameer Shah, PhD, University of California, San Diego, Neill Li, MD, Duke University
The proposed RIG is intended to contribute to the ORS mission to accelerate musculoskeletal discovery to improve health. By virtue of its innate cross-disciplinary culture, ORS is a natural and ideal home for research on the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS, which interfaces with the musculoskeletal system both anatomically and physiologically/functionally, is an important (even essential) influence on musculoskeletal function and dysfunction, but is under-explored. Creating a home for the PNS at ORS would enhance research, education, community and advocacy on this topic as well as draw more to people of ORS.
Speakers:
Sameer Shah, PhD, University of California, San Diego
Biomechanics of the Peripheral Nervous System – Implications for Injury, Disease and Repair
Neill Li, MD, Duke University
Ultrasound of Peripheral Nerve Injury and Disease
Sarah Greising, PhD, University of Minnesota
End Organ Function and the Peripheral Nervous System
Prem Kumar Govindappa, DVM, PhD, University of Arizona
Biological and Pharmacoaduvant Approaches to Improving Nerve Recovery
Ryckie G Wade, MD, University of Leeds
Advanced MRI Techniques for Diagnosing Nerve Injury and Monitoring Recovery
Colin Franz, MD, PhD, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Bioresorbable, Flexible Electronic Stimulators for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Sunday, March 29
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Organizers: William Ledoux, PhD, VA Puget Sound, L. Daniel Latt, MD, PhD, University of Arizona, Amy L. Lenz, PhD, University of Utah, Karen M. Kruger, PhD, Marquette University
The Foot and Ankle RIG will advance the science underpinning foot and ankle care by promoting communication and fostering collaborations among individuals interested in foot and ankle science. The purpose is to serve as a network to facilitate the interaction between basic scientists, translational researchers, and clinicians interested in collaborating on studies of foot and ankle science. An RIG session specifically focusing on the biomechanics, outcomes and conditions of the foot and ankle is needed for four reasons: 1) the wide spectrum of pathology and related treatments; 2) the complex anatomy of the foot and ankle; 3) a paucity of biomechanical data; and 4) ongoing challenges in making adequate diagnoses. Discussion around these four topics is expected to ultimately lead to the improvement of clinical care of the foot and ankle patient population.
Speakers:
Bopha Chrea, MD, University of Iowa
CMT Associated Foot Deformities: Spatiotemporal Differences in Plantar Pressure
Karen M. Kruger, PhD, Marquette University and Amy L. Lenz, PhD, University of Utah
Standardizing Terminology, 3D Spatial Orientation, and Relative Positioning of the Foot and Ankle Bones: An Expert Consensus Task Force
Monday, March 30
Monday, March 30
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Ballroom B
Organizers: Arin K. Oestreich, PhD, Washington University, Brian O. Diekman, PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rachel E. Miller, PhD, Rush University Medical Center
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a heterogeneous disease involving multiple organ systems which influence disease development and progression. This complexity requires an interdisciplinary approach to address the substantial challenges for developing new solutions to treat and prevent OA. The goal of this program is to leverage interdisciplinary strengths to stimulate and propose new strategic scientific approaches that exist at the interface between disciplines. The discussion theme will focus on how to best leverage the voluminous data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that identify genetic regions where variation alters OA risk. The speaker panel will consist of experts in genomic analysis of joint cell types to understand the mechanisms of gene expression regulation, how DNA methylation differences based on underlying genetics mediates OA risk, and the use of synthetic biology to understand gene expression networks. This interdisciplinary consortium will bring together experts from different training backgrounds (clinician, biologist, engineer) to discuss critical genetic and molecular drivers of OA.
Speakers:
Richard Loeser, MD, University of North Carolina
Leveraging Genomics in Primary Chondrocytes and Synovial Cells to Understand the Mechanisms of Genetic Risk in Osteoarthritis
Sarah Rice, MPharm, PhD, University of Manchester
Functional Fine Mapping of Osteoarthritis GWAS loci: Linking Risk with Mechanism
Yuseon Kim, PhD, Washington University
Can Synthetic Biology Help with Studying OA? Using Mechanoresponsive Gene Circuits with In Vitro Models of OA to Aid Our Search for OA Therapy
Monday, March 30
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
E220 D-F
Organizers: Caitlyn Collins, PhD, Virginia Tech University, Ashley Weaver, PhD, Wake Forest University
Digital twins are virtual representations of physical systems. In medicine, digital twins usually start with imaging data and incorporate a physics-based model for outcomes assessment or decision-making. Digital twin methodologies and applications are currently the subject of widespread interest and federal research investment. This session will provide cross-cutting examples of how digital twins can enrich preclinical and clinical studies in orthopaedics and identify challenges and opportunities in this nascent
Speakers:
Peter Schwarzenberg, PhD, AO Research Institute
Digital Twins for Bone Fracture Healing: Combining Simulations and Implantable Sensors
Bryce Killen, PhD, KU Leuven
In-Silico Functional Biomarkers for Movement Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Digital Twins for Osteoarthritis Phenotyping, Screening & Treatment
Stephanie Cone, PhD, University of Delaware
Powering Digital Twins Through Biomechanical Innovation
Scott Gayzik, PhD, Wake Forest University
Virtual Human Body Modeling and Orthopedic Biomechanics: Present & Future
Monday, March 30
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
E219 AB
Organizers: Wan-Ju Li, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Naoki Nakayama, PhD, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Johnny Huard, PhD, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, April Craft, PhD, Boston Children’s Hospital
This meeting is designed to meet a critical need in the orthopedic research community: to take an honest look at the current state of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapies. While MSCs have shown promise for musculoskeletal repair, results in clinical practice remain inconsistent. It is time to evaluate what is truly effective, where the challenges lie, and what steps are needed to move the field forward. The goals of this meeting are to: 1. Bring researchers together to examine the unresolved scientific and clinical challenges in MSC use for orthopedics 2. Encourage collaboration by creating a space for open discussion, shared findings, and new joint projects among stem cell researchers in ORS 3. Provide educational value by offering up-to-date insights on MSC biology, clinical trial outcomes, and evolving technologies This session will support thoughtful reflection, honest discussion, and meaningful collaboration within the ORS community as we work to improve the future of stem cell-based therapies in orthopedics.
Speakers:
Daniel Saris, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic
Adventures in Cell-Based Tissue Recycling
Xihui Liu, MD, University of California, San Francisco
From Injury to Recovery: Fibro/Adipogenic Progenitor Cells in Rotator Cuff Muscle Regeneration
Rocky Tuan, PhD, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Can We Re-create Joints? Exploring the Future of Tissue Engineering
Monday, March 30
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
E220 A-C
Organizers: Christopher Panebianco, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Sonia Bansal, PhD, Duke University, Rodolfo de la Vega Amador, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic, John F. Drazan, PhD, Fairfield University, Chelsea Heveran, PhD, Montana State University, Melodie Metzger, PhD, Cedars-Sinai
Academic career paths are more than scientific research. To advance in the field of orthopaedics, many researchers also participate in scholarly activities like teaching, mentorship, and outreach. Despite these additional requirements, researchers often receive little formal training on how to incorporate these activities into their research endeavors. Therefore, the purposes of this RIG are to teach investigators how to develop educational programs in orthopaedics, conduct educational research, and publish findings. Developing and disseminating educational programs for the orthopaedics research community will allow current researchers to engage in teaching/outreach as a scholarly activity and galvanize the next generation of researchers to pursue orthopaedic research.
Speakers:
Christopher Panebianco, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Opening Remarks
Jennifer Weiser, PhD, Cooper Union
Developing Educational Programs in Orthopaedics
Chelsea Heveran, PhD, University of Montana State
Collecting Data from Educational Programs
Jennifer Buckley, PhD, University of Delaware
Publishing Educational Research
