Orthopaedic Research Newsletter

September 2026

Orthopaedic Research Annual Picnic

Gallup Park

Ann Arbor, Michigan, August 10, 2026

On Monday, August 10, our team gathered at Gallup Park for our annual summer work picnic. It was a wonderful opportunity to step away from work, enjoy the beautiful summer weather, and connect with coworkers and their families.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled burgers and hot dogs, along with fun lawn games and activities for all ages. The afternoon was filled with good food, laughter, and great conversation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s picnic a fun and memorable opportunity to celebrate our team and the families who support us!

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Easton Farrell

On July 21st, PhD candidate Easton Farrell from the Maerz lab successfully defended his dissertation. Easton's work under mentor Dr. Tristan Maerz focused on identifying the regulators of synovitis and mechanosensing-mediated myofibroblastic activation in post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Abstract Summary: Easton Farrell's thesis investigated disease-driving synovitis in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), specifically focusing on the emergence of pro-fibrotic myofibroblast-like cells and the accumulation of immune cells in synovium. Using a non-invasive mouse model of PTOA, along with multi-omics and advanced cellular and molecular techniques, the research identified mechanisms underpinning these pathological cell types.

The first major finding showed that PIEZO1 and YAP1 play an important role in activating myofibroblast-like synovial fibroblasts in response to mechanical changes in the joint. Activation of PIEZO1 was also shown to promote inflammation, fibrosis, and other features of PTOA. The second chapter examined the CD13/B1R pathway, finding that both contribute to PTOA-related changes in the synovium, although largely independently. Overall, the findings provide new insight into the cellular and mechanical processes driving PTOA and identify PIEZO1/YAP1 and CD13/B1R as potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating disease progression.

Baby Announcement

Welcome, Baby Ari!

Please join us in welcoming Ari, born on May 12 to proud parents Ivan and Nicole!

Congratulations to the growing family on their beautiful new addition. We wish Ivan, Nicole, and baby Ari lots of love, happiness, and precious moments together!

Human Health & Well-being

Get Moving at the Big House!

Join hundreds of U-M faculty and staff on September 17 at Michigan Stadium to celebrate the year of Human Health & Well-being!

Get active on the field with Football Skills & Thrills, Zumba, or Yoga, or explore the concourse from 3–6:15 p.m. with mini activity sessions, health and well-being experts, a farmers market, community art, flu shots, medication take-back, and more.

Registration is required for field activities and limited to one session per person. Learn more and reserve your spot!

Research Resource Spotlight

Lab Chair Wheel Replacement Instructions

Due to regular exposure to cleaning solutions and general wear over time, lab chair wheels may frequently become damaged. If you need to request replacements, please follow these steps:

Submit a ticket through the MM Help Center under the category Furniture.
Include the following details in your request:
- Bench number(s)
- Quantity of chairs needing replacement wheels
- Specify if the chairs are bench-height or desk-height

Our Facilities Assistants will handle the replacement once the ticket is received.

Submit your request here: Michigan Medicine Help Center – MSF

Recent Publications

Schrepf, A., T. Smith, N. Waller, et al. 2026. “Generalized Sensory Sensitivity for Prediction of Post-Surgical Analgesic Outcomes: An Observational Cohort Study of Total Hip Arthroplasty and Hysterectomy.” medRxiv (United States), ahead of print, (May). https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.26.26354108.
Tran, G. K., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “From NASA to Novels: What Can Adler Teach Physicians?” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (6): 948–53 (May). https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012554.
Zhu, S., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Omotenashi (おもてなし): An Art of Mindful Medicine.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (6): 943–47 (May). https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012625.
Wolfe, B. R., W. R. Dunn, R. J. VanTienderen, S. F. Ortiz, and MOON Shoulder Group. 2026. “Recurrence after Soft-Tissue Anterior Shoulder Stabilization: 2-Year Results from the MOON Shoulder Cohort.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 35 (6): P1474-1483. (May) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2025.12.002.
Beaulieu, M. L., N. B. Patel, and E. M. Wojtys. 2026. “The Gut Microbiome’s Role in the Development and Progression of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open 8 (2). (June) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2026.100807.
Chaker, A. N., G. Kahn, K. Springer, et al. 2026. “Implementation of Statewide Opioid Prescribing Guidelines in Spine Surgery: A MSSIC Study.” Neurosurgery Publish Ahead of Print (June). https://doi.org/10.1227/neu.0000000000004133.
Denard, A. D., B. C. Werner, H. B. Schuette, et al. 2026. “Postoperative Scapular Neck Length Is Associated with Strength and Rotational Range of Motion Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with the Arthrex Univers Revers.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 35 (6): e664–71. (June) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2025.10.021.
Jepsen, K. J. 2026. “To Fall or Not to Fall: The Question of Hip Fracture Prevention.” Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 41 (6): 583–84. (June) https://doi.org/10.1093/jbmr/zjaf198.
Knights, A. J., D. M. Nguyen, S. Kahan, et al. 2026. “Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Regulates Fibrotic Atrophy of Intra-Articular Adipose Tissue in Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis.” bioRxiv (United States), ahead of print, (June). https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.08.730865.
Lammlin, L., L. M. Junginger, A. J. Knights, et al. 2026. “Thrombospondin-2 Deficiency Primes the Synovial Joint for Aberrant Tissue Remodeling and Injury Response.” bioRxiv (United States), ahead of print, (June). https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.18.732872.
Manley, B. J., T. E. Moran, J. Ham, et al. 2026. “Clinical Outcomes Following Anatomic Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Concomitant Procedures in Skeletally Immature Patients With Patellar Instability.” Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine 14 (6). (June) https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671251414149.
Mott, N. M., T. M. Benitez, D. Connochie, et al. 2026. “Identifying Gaps in Surgical Quality Measurement Using an Episodes of Care Framework.” Surgery United States 194 (June). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2026.110160.
Rajaram, P., K. D. Perry, W. R. Aibinder, J. A. Jacobson, and S. B. Soliman. 2026. “Test Yourself: Question: A 44-Year-Old Woman with Chronic Left Medial Clavicular Pain.” Skeletal Radiology, ahead of print, (June). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-026-05248-6.
Rosenberg, S. I., N. B. Patel, and E. Crawford. 2026. “Management and Outcomes of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population.” Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 19 (June). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-026-10040-z.
Shaheen, M., B. T. McManus, V. Lusa, K. C. Chung, and T. V. Karjalainen. 2026. “Surgery for Wrist Osteoarthritis.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 6 (June): CD016352. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD016352.
Ueland Simone, D., B. Til, L. Wenting, et al. 2026. “Leveraging Electronic Health Record Data to Evidence Collider Stratification Bias and Inform Clinical Epidemiology: Obesity, Diabetes and Rotator Cuff Tears.” Am J Epidemiol (United States), ahead of print, (June). https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwag117.
Uppal, H., S. Puri, B. Hallstrom, et al. 2026. “The Effect of the COVID-19 Orthopaedic Joint Surgery ‘Restart’ on Patient Outcomes in Michigan.” Arthroplasty Today 39 (June). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artd.2026.102044.
Waheed, M., M. Fawaz, Z. Smadi, et al. 2026. “Preoperative Antidepressants Are Associated With Increased Risk of Opioid Use and Overall Complications Following Anterior and Posterior Cervical Fusion: A Nationwide Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.” Global Spine Journal 16 (5): 2220–29. (June) https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682251401134.
Yoon, A. P., H. Wu, W. T. Chung, L. Wang, and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Revision Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty: Risk Factors and Health Care Economic Implications.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (6): 1036–46. (June) https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012592.
Bachmaier, S., A. J. Krych, A. Bedi, P. E. Müller, and P. A. Smith. 2026. “Biomechanical Comparison of 4 Radial Meniscal Repair Techniques Including a Novel Dual Tie-Grip Configuration.” American Journal of Sports Medicine 54 (8): 1859–66. (July) https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465261439079.
Beaulé, P. E., M. Beck, M. Wagner, et al. 2026. “Lexicon on the Pathomechanics of the Native Hip Joint at Risk for Arthritis.” J Bone Joint Surg Am (United States), ahead of print, (July). https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.26.00112.
Berardi, G., L. F. Law, R. McCarthy, et al. 2026. “Modeling Relationships among Pain and Function in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis in the A2CPS Cohort.” Clin J Pain (United States), ahead of print, (July). https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0000000000001405.
Carender, C. N., Z. Wang, C. Janney, B. R. Hallstrom, E. A. Dailey, and M. M. Kheir. 2026. “Preoperative Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement Scores Predict Timing and Achievement of Substantial Clinical Benefit Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.” J Arthroplasty (United States), ahead of print, (July). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.012.
Crone, A. J., A. K. Johnson, R. Recchia, et al. 2026. “Decoupling Speed Matters: Optimizing Gait Mechanics after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Split-Belt Adaptation Training of the Healthy Leg.” Clinical Biomechanics 137 (July). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2026.106872.
Frangakis, S. G., X. Meng, M. C. Bicket, et al. 2026. “Two-Part Statistical Model for Identifying Baseline Predictors of Chronic Postsurgical Pain.” Anesthesiology 145 (1): 120–34. (July) https://doi.org/10.1097/ALN.0000000000006080.
Guo, E. W., N. E. Honey, Z. Wang, P. Kaarto, B. R. Hallstrom, and M. M. Kheir. 2026. “Low-Dose Aspirin Once Daily Is Noninferior for Venous Thromboembolic Prophylaxis After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 8,073 Cases Over 10 Years.” J Arthroplasty (United States), ahead of print, (July). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.023.
Kabadas, F. B., E. Wessels, M. Buckles, et al. 2026. “Jagged Ligand Expression by Alpha-SMA Progenitors Is Required for Normal Fracture Healing.” Bone 208 (July). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2026.117877.
Klag, E., N. Hodson, M. Zamzam, et al. 2026. “How Does Changing Femoral Component Anteversion Affect Biomechanics in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty?” Journal of Orthopaedics 77 (July): 23–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2026.05.003.
Klosterman, E. L., and J. Brett Goodloe. 2026. “‘Women’s Sports Is Still in Its Infancy.’ - Billie Jean King.” Clinics in Sports Medicine 45 (3): xv–xvi. (July) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csm.2025.12.001.
Kobayashi, J. K., L. Swany, and E. A. Crawford. 2026. “Comprehensive Review of Shoulder Instability in the Female Athlete.” Clinics in Sports Medicine 45 (3): 469–82. (July) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csm.2025.09.009.
Montinelli, V. N., S. Grohe, X. Y. Song, et al. 2026. “R Spondin 2 Regulates Regeneration of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche.” Blood (United States), ahead of print, (July). https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2025032421.
Shaheen, M. S., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Discussion: Progression of Dupuytren Contracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Surgery, Needle Fasciotomy, and Collagenase Injection.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 158 (1): 113–15. (July) https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012939.
Talusan, P. G. 2026. “Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability: Nonsurgical Treatment Alternatives.” Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery 43 (3): 449–57. (July) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpm.2026.02.011.
Taylor, K. M. R., M. P. Klueh, and E. L. Klosterman. 2026. “Volleyball-Related Injuries.” Clinics in Sports Medicine 45 (3): 529–40. (July) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csm.2025.09.005.
Whitney, D. G. 2026. “Burden of Pneumococcal Disease among Adults with Cerebral Palsy.” Disability and Health Journal 19 (3). (July) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2026.102029.
Kawamura, K., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “The Role of Traditional Limb Salvage and Finger Replantation in the Era of Bionic Reconstruction.” Hand Clinics 42 (3): 281–88. (August) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2026.03.006.
Steltzer, S. S., N. Migotsky, T. Phillips, et al. 2026. “The Developing Tendon and Enthesis Are Hypoxic and Rely on Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1a during Postnatal Development.” Development Cambridge 153 (6). (August) https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.205458.
Stern, E., E. Kappler, M. Hart, et al. 2026. “Utility of the Modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink (mCDS) Grading System for Classifying Casting Complication Severity in Early Onset Scoliosis Patients.” J Pediatr Orthop (United States), ahead of print, (August). https://doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0000000000003438.
Villacís Núñez, C. N., S. Srivastava, U. Scheven, A. Bedi, K. Garikipati, and E. M. Arruda. 2026. “Constitutive Parameter Inference Using Physics-Informed Full Volume Inverse Modeling of Intact and Torn Rotator Cuff Tendons.” Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 214 (August). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106668.

Upcoming Funding Opportunities and Deadlines

Altruistic August

This August, Action for Happiness invites everyone to take part in “Altruistic August.” August is a wonderful time to focus on kindness, generosity, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s offering a helping hand, checking in on a friend, sharing your time, or doing something thoughtful for someone else, small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on both the giver and the receiver. By looking for opportunities to support others and spread positivity, we can create a stronger sense of connection and well-being in our communities.

This month, challenge yourself to complete at least two acts of kindness and notice how helping others affects your own mood, sense of connection, and happiness.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop