Rebuilding bone from the inside out

Annie Hayashi

Kappa Delta Award winners develop novel biodegradable polymeric scaffolds For more than a decade, Michael J. Yaszemski, MD, PhD, and his co-investigator Lichun Lu, PhD, have focused on finding novel ways to treat bone defects. Their efforts, detailed in their paper “Osteoinductive injectable degradable polymeric scaffolds for osseous defect repair,” earned them the 2009 Kappa Delta Elizabeth Winston Lanier Award. Michael J.

Getting a grip on thumb arthritis

Amy Kile

Clinician-Scientist Award recipient wants to know why Writing a note. Twisting the lid off a jar. Unlocking and opening a door. Simple, everyday tasks become painful activities for patients who have thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. “People are surprised by how much they use even their nondominant hand,” said Jennifer M. Wolf, MD, a hand surgeon and assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, department of orthopaedics. According to Dr.

What can mice teach us about age-related skeletal disorders?

Mary Ann Porucznik

Genetic studies shed light on musculoskeletal conditions The prevalence of bone and cartilage disorders increases with age, but aging alone doesn’t explain their development. By studying mouse genetics, the winners of the Kappa Delta Ann Doner Vaughan Award hoped to clarify the molecular background of several degenerative skeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL), bone fracture healing, and osteoarthritis (OA).

Attaching tendon to bone: A new framework to improve healing

Mary Ann Porucznik

Young Investigator Award recognizes tissue engineering studies Stavros Thomopoulos, PhD Stavros Thomopoulos, PhD, winner of the 2009 Kappa Delta Young Investigator Award, took on that challenge. His award-winning paper—“Structure, Biomechanics, and Mechano­biology in the Attachment of Tendon to Bone”—details his efforts to understand how cells at the insertion point of tendon and bone respond to changes in their mechanical environment (their “mechanobiology”).

Correcting digital flexion deformities without surgery

Mary Ann Porucznik

OREF Clinical Research Award Winners aim to make life easier It isn’t easy for people with Dupuytren’s contracture to open a door or hold a football. Nor can individuals with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) easily reach for items on a shelf or sleep soundly without pain. Lawrence C.

Arthritis and related conditions

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, identified as AORC, are the second most common musculoskeletal diseases among adults and often lead to disability and the inability to work. Among the more recognized AORC conditions, which include more than 100 diseases, are osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease; rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition; gout, a painful and recurrent form of arthritis recognized from ancient times; and lupus.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: More prevalent in women

Laura Gehrig, MD

By Laura Gehrig, MD “My foot hurts and my arch has collapsed. I can’t wear the shoes I want to anymore.” Many orthopaedists have female patients with similar foot complaints. Although some orthopaedists may not appreciate the significance of limited shoe style options, it is problematic for many women. Moreover, these patients want to feel better. So what is the science behind “fallen arches” and why are more women than men affected?