Orthopaedic Research Newsletter

April 2026

Research Highlight

Joshua David Piche, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Joshua David Piche, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. Joshua D. Piche’s research primarily focuses on patient outcomes after spine surgery, and specifically on outcomes after minimally invasive spine surgery. As his case volume grows, he plans to do retrospective studies assessing patient outcomes after tubular and endoscopic spine operations. He also contributes to papers and book chapters on minimally invasive spine techniques and the incorporation of new technologies, such as robotics, into surgery. In addition, Dr. Piche engages in database and registry studies focusing on patient risk factors—such as smoking or multiple sclerosis—and how this affects patient outcomes after spine surgery. Some ongoing current work includes Reddit-based studies assessing patient sentiment online regarding sacroiliac joint dysfunction and treatment options for this, as well as patient sentiment regarding spinal deformity and treatment for this. He is also currently working on a book chapter for the treatment of spine fractures with minimally invasive techniques.

Save the Date!

Tenth Annual Musculoskeletal Health Symposium

Save the date for the Tenth Annual Musculoskeletal Health Symposium, taking place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Renny Franceschi and will be held at the North Campus Research Complex, Building 18 (Football Room), 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109. Additional details will be shared soon.

Reserve your spot by registering here:2026 Tenth Annual MiMHC Symposium

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Stephanie Steltzer!

Stephanie Steltzer (Steph) successfully defended her PhD in Molecular & Integrative Physiology on March 2nd, and her partner, Garrett Chavis, did as well on March 3rd. Garrett also proposed on stage in the Kahn Auditorium after his defense in front of all of their family and friends. Steph will be starting early April as the Industry Alliance Manager within Fast Forward Medical Innovation’s Business Development team in Michigan Medicine’s Office of Research. Steph will be responsible for building and managing relationships with Michigan Medicine and industry partners.

Welcome New Orthopaedic Researchers!

Madhu Baghel, PhD (she/her)

Research Fellow, Hankenson Lab

Dr. Madhu Baghel joined the Hankenson Lab Department in February 2026. She earned her PhD from the National Institute of Immunology, India, in 2022. Her doctoral research focused on understanding how the microenvironment regulates osteogenesis, providing important insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern bone formation. During her PhD, she also served as an exchange student at the University of Nottingham, UK, through the Newton Bhabha PhD Exchange Program, where she gained additional expertise in tissue culture using bone-derived decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds.

Following her PhD, Dr. Baghel completed her first postdoctoral fellowship at the Bone and Joint Center, Henry Ford Health, and Michigan State University Health Sciences. There, her research centered on musculoskeletal genomics, investigating molecular markers and epigenetic signatures associated with the occurrence and progression of osteoarthritis.

At the University of Michigan, Dr. Baghel will explore the cellular, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis development, as well as the differentiation and function of bone formation and regeneration.

As a researcher, she is committed to advancing basic and translational research that connects mechanistic insights to therapeutic development in musculoskeletal diseases. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, recreational sports, and arts/crafts activities.

Carol Janney, PhD (she/her)

Physical Activity Epidemiologist/Biostatistician

In February, Carol Janney joined the Real-World Evidence, Clinical & Translational Research, and Biostatistics team. Trained as an applied biostatistician and epidemiologist, Carol’s expertise encompasses the entire research lifecycle, including grant writing, study design, sample size calculations, data collection and management, statistical analyses, the interpretation and dissemination of research findings, and drafting, editing, and writing papers for peer-reviewed journals. She has extensive research experience at a diversity of worksites (pharmaceutical industry, universities, medical centers and clinics, contract research organizations, and Veterans Affairs). Previously, she was a CSCAR consultant supporting the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as other U of M researchers. Her doctoral work focused on physical activity and mental health. She is an avid recycler/composter, enjoys cycling on trails, and spends time at Camp Michigania.

Division of Public Safety & Security

Top Row (L to R): Allie Risha, Sophie Orr

Bottom Row (L to R): DPSS Officer and Axel, Carol Whitinger, Nicole Migotsky, Bonnie Nolan, Melanie Beaulieu

Division of Public Safety & Security (DPSS) visit NCRC Lab

On February 10th, two four-footed MMS K9 security ‘officers’ (Hutch and Axel) brought their handlers by for a visit as part of their community outreach program. While not therapy dogs, these two highly trained canines were the highlight of the week for our labs. We learned about NCRC's in-house explosives-detection training program and the long hours required during large events such as football games and graduations.

Axel (in photo with employees) and Hutch have their own UM yellow badge ID’s and even their own trading cards! Each is cared for 24/7 by their handlers and is expected to work only 3-5 years before retiring. Thanks to DPSS for an engaging visit! For questions regarding the K-9 unit, please contact MMSK9Team@med.umich.edu.

Spring Gathering

Strengthening Team Connections

On March 17, the orthopaedic researchers came together to celebrate shamrocks and shenanigans in festive style! Team members showed their spirit by wearing green, bringing delicious green-themed treats, and participating in a fun activity that added a little extra luck to the day. Beyond the laughter and creativity, the celebration provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen connections, boost morale, and enjoy time together outside of the usual work routine. It was a wonderful reminder of how small moments of celebration can bring a team closer and create a more positive, connected workplace.

Resource Spotlight

Motion Capture and Full Body Biomechanics:

This equipment includes an isokinetic dynamometer, wireless sEMG, an instrumented treadmill, and full-body motion capture capabilities. Contact riannp@umich.edu for more information. For Clinical Faculty with project ideas, and/or if you have any general questions about what you can do with this technology, please contact Conor Locke at cslocke@umich.edu.

Recent Publications

Beck, E. J., E. Stern, M. Bommineni, I. Zaltz, and A. L. Gornitzky. “Is the Hip Located? What Is the Value of Advanced Imaging at the Time of Spica Exchange for Infantile Hip Dysplasia?” J Pediatr Orthop (United States), ahead of print, January 19, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0000000000003215.
Beladi, R. N., M. H. Lawless, D. Tong, et al. “Age as a Predictor of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Analysis of the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative.” Journal of Neurosurgery Spine 44, no. 2 (2026): 226–34. https://doi.org/10.3171/2025.7.SPINE2585.
Carender, C. N., E. Jimenez, A. De, D. J. Berry, M. P. Abdel, and N. A. Bedard. “Effects of Surgeon Volume on Outcomes Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Morbidly Obese: An Analysis From the American Joint Replacement Registry.” J Arthroplasty (United States) 41, no. 3 (2026): 805–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.07.037.
Carender, C. N., D. G. Lewallen, J. B. Mason, and M. Blankstein. “Perioperative Best Practices When Using Cemented Femoral Stem Fixation During Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Geriatric Femoral Neck Fractures.” Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 34, no. 5 (2026): e648–55. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-24-00429.
Choi, H. K., T. Kim, X. Wei, et al. “Loss of Tsc1 in Osterix-Expressing Cells Leads to Greater Bone Mass and Strength in Mice.” Bone 203 (February 2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2025.117695.
Chung, K. C., M. M. Florczynski, S. L. Hearn, H. M. Kim, P. B. Burns, and S. Malay. “Clinical Features of Conduction Block in Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: Surgery of the Ulnar Nerve Multicenter Clinical Trial: Correction.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157, no. 2 (2026): 408. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012766.
Collins, F. L., A. J. Knights, T. Maerz, A. J. Roelofs, and C. De Bari. “Synovial Fibroblast Responses to Different Types of Injury Resulting in Cartilage Repair or Osteoarthritis.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34, no. 3 (2026): 384–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.12.023.
Fullano, G. D., M. D. Greenstein, E. L. Klosterman, and M. J. Hartwell. “Statistically Significant Results Favored in Abstracts of Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Spin Analysis.” Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, ahead of print, February 1, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1002/arj.70027.
Hassanzadeh, H., M. A. Weinstein, T. Lansford, et al. “A Retrospective, Controlled Trial Evaluation of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation for Fusion Success Following Lumbar Spinal Surgery.” Journal of Spine Surgery 12, no. 1 (2026). https://doi.org/10.21037/jss-25-106.
Khorram, R., S. Al-Humadi, K. Kohut, et al. “Stress Shielding of the Univers Revers System in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Is Minimal and Does Not Progress Substantially from Short- to Midterm Follow-Up.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 35, no. 2 (2026): e243–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2025.05.032.
King, J. L., C. Spencer, R. Youngblood, et al. “Gamma Irradiation of Poly(Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Scaffolds Reduces the Mechanical Stability and Function of Islet Grafts in Diabetic Nonhuman Primates.” Biotechnology and Bioengineering 123, no. 3 (2026): 742–51. https://doi.org/10.1002/bit.70134.
Kuhn, A. W., P. M. Inclan, A. A. Haider, et al. “The Sport Publication Observational Research Tool (SPORT): An Objective Tool to Score the Methodological Quality of Observational Clinical Sports Medicine Research.” Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine 14, no. 2 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671251380883.
Nerenz, D. R., K. Jarabek, J. Myers, et al. “Cost Savings Realized Through a Statewide Quality Improvement Collaborative for Spine Surgery.” Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety 52, no. 2 (2026): 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjq.2025.11.010.
Pierson, C. J., N. B. Jain, K. Hansen, et al. “Efficacy of Standardized Physical Therapy and Axillary Motor Stimulation for Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” American Journal of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation 105, no. 3S Suppl 2 (2026): S96–104. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002863.
Pitts, T., and W. R. Aibinder. “The Inconsistent Reporting and Effect of Resilience on Outcomes Following Shoulder Surgery.” JSES Reviews Reports and Techniques, February 2026, 100681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100681.
Pottepalem, B., C. Huang, and K. C. Chung. “Healing Leadership: Deploying The Art of War for Medical Excellence.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157, no. 2 (2026): 304–10. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012021.
Rajabzadeh-Oghaz, H., J. Elwell, B. Schoch, et al. “Identification of Reproducible CT-Image Based Radiomic Features That Predict Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research 44, no. 2 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.70154.
Rasheed, S., A. Mamonov, A. Etemaid-Rezaie, D. Granzow, and B. Miller. “Impact of Dedicated Surgical Technologist on the Efficiency of Shoulder Arthroplasty Operating Rooms.” Perioperative Care and Operating Room Management 42 (March 2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcorm.2026.100632.
Richey, B. P., R. Lele, M. Park, R. D. Patel, and I. S. Aleem. “Navigation-Assisted C1-Ring Osteosynthesis for an Unstable Atlas Fracture: A Case Report.” Journal of Spine Surgery 12, no. 2 (2026). https://doi.org/10.21037/jss-25-174.
Ritter, D., P. J. Denard, P. Raiss, B. C. Werner, A. Bedi, and S. Bachmaier. “Response to Baek et al. Regarding: ‘Machine Learning Models Can Define Clinically Relevant Bone Density Subgroups Based on Patient-Specific Calibrated Computed Tomography Scans in Patients Undergoing Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.’” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 35, no. 3 (2026): e518–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2025.07.034.
Saravanan, A., C. M. Cullen, C. Huang, and K. C. Chung. “Is Boredom Really All That Bad?” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157, no. 2 (2026): 311–17. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012098.
Sung, H. H., D. G. Whitney, K. M. Kozloff, and M. S. Caird. “Craniofacial and Whole-Skeleton Fracture Patterns in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Findings from a Nationwide U.S. Insurance Claims Database.” Bone 204 (March 2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2025.117762.
Thiyagarajan, D., M. Gauger, R. Patel, et al. “Development and Evaluation of an External Cephalic Version Simulation-Based Educational Program.” Ajog Global Reports 6, no. 1 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xagr.2025.100577.
Truong, W. H., J. J. Berg, B. A. Ramo, et al. “Operative and Post-Operative Complications for Patients with Implanted Programmable Devices Undergoing Surgery for Early-Onset Scoliosis: A Multicenter Study.” Spine Deform (England) 14, no. 2 (2026): 637–44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-025-01258-x.
Whitney, D. G. “Burden of Pneumococcal Disease among Adults with Cerebral Palsy.” Disabil Health J (United States), January 27, 2026, 102029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2026.102029.
Wong, G. C., and K. C. Chung. “Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models.” Hand Clinics 42, no. 1 (2026): 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2025.08.004.
Yoon, A. P., and K. C. Chung. “The Essence of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care.” Hand Clinics 42, no. 1 (2026): ix–ix. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2025.09.001.

Upcoming Funding Opportunities and Deadlines

Active April

This April, Action for Happiness invites everyone to take part in "Active April". April is a great time to refresh your routine and focus on staying active as the seasons change. With longer days and warmer weather, it’s the perfect opportunity to get moving, boost your energy, and support your overall well-being. Whether it’s trying something new or getting back into a routine, small steps can make a big difference. This month, challenge yourself to complete at least two healthy activities.

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” — William Shakespeare