Orthopaedic Research Newsletter

December 2025

A message from Associate Chair for Research, Dr. Kurt Hankenson

happy holidays and happy new year! (1).mp4

Orthopaedic Surgery Research

Winter Gathering

Winter Gathering Brings Research Teams Together

Our Orthopaedic Surgery researchers came together for a festive winter gathering that celebrated connection, teamwork, and well-deserved fun. The event provided a warm and welcoming space for colleagues to engage beyond their daily work, enjoying friendly rounds of bingo and trivia, getting creative with cookie decorating, and sharing great food and conversation. Laughter and collaboration filled the room as team members connected, strengthened relationships, and reflected on the value of coming together as a united research community.

Research Highlight

Conor Locke

Research Project Engineer, MHealthy Champion

Orthopaedic Surgery Department

Research interests: Conor Locke joined us in 2020 and has since become a driving force in our department as a Research Project Engineer. He specializes in research device design, workflow development, engineering support, and biomechanical study design. Recently, Conor has been focused on refining fracture callus torsion methodologies and advancing the use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) in biomechanics, while juggling the usual load of resident and clinician laboratory and quantitative imaging studies. Outside of work, he enjoys dancing, sailing, hiking, and cooking with friends. Conor’s expertise and enthusiasm are key to our team’s ongoing innovation!

Congratulations!

Ken Kozloff, PhD

Steven A. Goldstein Collegiate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Professor of Kinesiology, and Biomedical Engineering, Co-Director, Human Performance & Sport Science Center

Ron Zernicke, PhD DSc

FNAK, FISB, FASB, FCSB, FACSM

Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery, Kinesiology & Biomedical Engineering, Co-Director, Human Performance & Sport Science Center

Congratulations, Dr. Ken Kozloff and Dr. Ron Zernicke!

New Experiential Learning Program Expands Access to Sport Science Education

October 20, 2025 — The Human Performance & Sport Science Center (HPSSC) has launched the Athlete Innovation Initiative, a new experiential learning program that gives University of Michigan students hands-on opportunities in elite sport science. Through lab-based testing and on-field performance monitoring using wearable technology, students apply exercise physiology principles while supporting data-driven training, recovery, and injury-prevention strategies for U-M student-athletes. Backed by campus and Michigan Medicine partnerships, the initiative strengthens collaboration between Athletics and Kinesiology while preparing students for careers in sport science.

For more details, see the full article: New experiential learning program expands access to sport science education | School of Kinesiology

Welcome New Orthopaedic Researcher!

Anna Rapp, PhD (she/her)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Coleman Lab

Anna joined the Coleman Lab in November 2025. She received her PhD from Ulm University in Germany, where she studied the contribution of mesenchymal stem cells to bone regeneration under the supervision of Dr. Anita Ignatius. After postdocs in Germany focused on cartilage biology and osteoarthritis, Anna moved to the U.S. in 2023 to join the Department of Rheumatology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she investigated TLR-driven cartilage inflammation in vitro and in vivo using both small and large animal models.

Anna has more than a decade of experience in musculoskeletal research, with a particular interest in how (innate) immune signaling and cellular metabolism drive cartilage inflammation and joint degeneration. Her work combines in vitro and in vivo osteoarthritis models with metabolic, imaging, and molecular approaches, and she is excited to use her experience to support the Coleman Lab’s efforts to improve cartilage regeneration. Anna has contributed to and led multiple grant proposals, enjoys mentoring students and trainees, and is always happy to troubleshoot experiments or talk science over good coffee.

Outside of the lab, Anna is an avid knitter and enjoys baking and gardening.

Baby Announcement!

Amit (Left), Anvita (Middle), Aparna (Right)

Congratulations to parents

Aparna and Amit Chougule!

Amit Chougule, our research fellow, was blessed with the arrival of a beautiful baby girl, Anvita, born on September 29, 2025. Heartfelt congratulations to the proud parents, Aparna and Amit, on this joyful new chapter of their lives.

Recent Publications

Adams, J., S. Al-Humadi, B.C. Werner, et al. “Smaller Glenosphere Size and Increased Baseplate Retroversion Improve Postoperative Internal Rotation after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Performed with a 135° Humeral Implant and Lateralized Glenoid.” Jses International 9, no. 6 (2025): 2037–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseint.2025.06.004.
Ahdoot, R., C. Huang, and K.C. Chung. “Laughter Is the Best Medicine, Sometimes.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 6 (2025): 830–34. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000012295.
Ahmed, D.W., M.L. Tan, Y. Liu, et al. “Local Photocrosslinking of Native Tissue Matrix Regulates Lung Epithelial Cell Mechanosensing and Function.” Nature Materials 24, no. 11 (2025): 1812–25. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-025-02329-0.
Akhtar, J.R., C. Huang, and K.C. Chung. “Stronger Together: The Art of Delegation.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 5 (2025): 683–89. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011885.
Akhtar, J.R., E.K. O’Connor, and K.C. Chung. “Parallel Advancements in Art and Anatomy.” Annals of Plastic Surgery 95, no. 5 (2025): 485–89. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000004456.
Alfaro, J.J., E. Wang, Y. Zou, et al. “Identification of Sensory Fiber Types in Mouse Temporomandibular Joint Tissues.” Scientific Reports 15, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-17508-x.
Allahabadi, S., Z.A. Khan, J. Chahla, et al. “Incidence of Knee Cartilage Pathology on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Correlation to Clinical Symptoms and Orthopaedic History Among Players at the National Basketball Association Draft Combine.” American Journal of Sports Medicine 53, no. 13 (2025): 3152–59. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465251381362.
Arhewoh, R., A.R. Diab, O. Diab, I. Aleem, and J.D. Piche. “76. Substance-Specific Complications after Lumbar Decompression: Distinguishing the Effects of Tobacco Nontobacco Nicotine and Cannabis.” The Spine Journal 25, no. 11 (2025): s40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2025.08.258.
Aslam, M.N., D.K. Turgeon, H.D. Appelman, et al. “A Multi-Mineral Intervention to Improve Disease-Related and Mechanistic Biomarkers in Ulcerative Colitis Patients: Results from a Randomized Trial.” Plos One 20, no. 12 December (2025). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0337408.
Beaule, P-E., S. Poitras, S. Carsen, et al. “PERIACETABULAR OSTEOTOMY FOR HIP DYSPLASIA WITH AND WITHOUT HIP ARTHROSCOPY: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.” Orthopaedic Proceedings 107-B, no. SUPP_13 (2025): 144–144. https://doi.org/10.1302/1358-992x.2025.13.144.
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.” J Am Acad Orthop Surg (United States), ahead of print, November 11, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-24-00429.
Carrier, B., A. Melvin, J. Outwin, et al. “Wearables for Health Monitoring: Body Composition Estimates of Commercial Smartwatch and Clinical Bioelectrical Impedance Device.” Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 7 (November 2025). https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1644082.
Chaker, A.N., K. Springer, K. Jarabek, et al. “Ultra-Early Postoperative Ambulation in Spine Surgery: A Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative Study.” Journal of Neurosurgery Spine 43, no. 5 (2025): 601–6. https://doi.org/10.3171/2025.5.SPINE25314.
Chrzan, A.J., K. Chan, and T.R. Bush. “Magnitude and Location of Isolated Thumb Forces in Control and LRTI Surgery Participants: Mapping Force to Three-Dimensional Kinematics.” J Biomech Eng (United States) 147, no. 11 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4069394.
Chung, K.C., A. Heiman, S. Malay, et al. “Proficiency and Difficulty Scoring Tools for Finger Replantation.” JAMA Network Open 8, no. 10 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.40453.
Cleland, T., N.B. Jain, J. Chae, et al. “Correction to: The Protocol for a Multisite, Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Axillary Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Shoulder Pain (Trials, (2020), 21, 1, (248), 10.1186/S13063-020-4174-x).” Trials 26, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-025-08955-y.
Conery, M., J.A. Pippin, Y. Wagley, et al. “GWAS-Informed Data Integration and Non-Coding CRISPRi Screen Illuminate Genetic Etiology of Bone Mineral Density.” Genome Biology 26, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-025-03802-4.
Downey, K., W. Li, M.E. Dickenson, et al. “Portable Resonant Acoustic Rheometry System Enables Rapid and Integrated Acoustic-Mechanical Characterization of Soft Biomaterials.” Applied Physics Letters 127, no. 23 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0289258.
Enriquez, R., T. Cleland, M. Gharib, et al. “Ultrasound-Guided Glenohumeral Joint (Posterior Approach) Injection Technique.” American Journal of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation 104, no. 11 (2025): e157. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002626.
Fox, J.A., L.J. Huston, A.K. Haas, et al. “Meniscal Repair in the Setting of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: 6-Year Follow-up Results From the MARS Cohort.” American Journal of Sports Medicine 53, no. 14 (2025): 3435–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465251387333.
Grant, J.A. “Excessive Laxity as an Indicator for a Secondary Procedure to Protect Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?: Commentary on an Article by Kyoung Ho Yoon, MD, PhD, et al.: ‘Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Versus Combined PCL and Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction in Isolated PCL Grade-III Injuries.’” Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American Volume 107, no. 23 (2025): 2591–92. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.25.01233.
Grzelecki, D., D. Raafat, R-M. Birlutiu, et al. “2025 ICM: Diagnostic Techniques-Serological and Point-Of-Care.” J Arthroplasty (United States), ahead of print, October 30, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.10.078.
Hertz, S., F. Klein, T.L. Bredbenner, M. Cosman, and K.J. Jepsen. “Impact of Outer Width of the Metacarpal Diaphysis on the Identification of Low Bone Mass in Children.” Plos One 20, no. 11 November (2025). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0336393.
Hoffman, A.P., D. Grzelecki, A. Abdeen, et al. “2025 ICM: Synovial Analysis.” J Arthroplasty (United States), ahead of print, October 30, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.10.080.
Kobayashi, J.K., Sherwood, A.J., Gundlach, B., Locke, C.S., Chan, K, Crawford, E.A., Ozer, K., Abraham, A. Lawton, J. "Radiographic Analysis of Cartilage Surface Restoration in Patients with Pediatric Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions Following Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation." (2025) https://jsesinternational.org/article/S2666-6383(25)00303-2/fulltext#.
Kruger, R., H. Yohannes, E. Cho, et al. “SUN-141 Parental Testosterone Treatment Induces Multi-Generational Reproductive and MetabolicEffects in a Mouse Model of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.” Journal of the Endocrine Society 9, no. Supplement_1 (2025): bvaf149.2074. https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvaf149.2074.
Kunze, K.N., J. Bepple, A. Bedi, P.N. Ramkumar, and C.A. Pean. “Commercial Products Using Generative Artificial Intelligence Include Ambient Scribes, Automated Documentation and Scheduling, Revenue Cycle Management, Patient Engagement and Education, and Prior Authorization Platforms.” Arthroscopy Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery 41, no. 11 (2025): 4950–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2025.05.021.
Lang, A., J.M. Collins, M.P. Nijsure, et al. “Erythroid Precursors Regulate Local Oxygen Tension and Repair Outcomes in the Bone Marrow Niche.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 122, no. 46 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2522548122.
Lang, A., E.A. Eastburn, M. Younesi, et al. “CYR61 Delivery Promotes Angiogenesis during Bone Fracture Repair.” Npj Regenerative Medicine 10, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41536-025-00398-y.
Leis, A.M., K.J. Jepsen, E. Bigelow, et al. “Trajectories of Areal Bone Mineral Density Significantly Differ by Patterning of Femoral Neck Area and Bone Mineral Content Across the Menopausal Transition.” J Bone Miner Res (England), ahead of print, November 13, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbmr/zjaf162.
Liu, W., and K.C. Chung. “Options for Treating Complex Soft Tissue Injuries Around the Elbow.” Hand Clinics 41, no. 4 (2025): 521–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2025.06.011.
Miller, C., and A. Bedi. “Regenerative Medicine: The Next Generation of Autologous Blood Formulations.” Hss Journal 21, no. 4 (2025): 469–75. https://doi.org/10.1177/15563316251367029.
Newton, M.D., L. Lammlin, S. Gonzalez-Nolde, et al. “A Standardized, Open-Source, Portable Model for Noninvasive Joint Injury in Mice.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open 7, no. 4 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100679.
Pierson, C.J., N.B. Jain, K. Brewer-Mixon, J. Wang, and R.D. Wilson. “Identifying the Relative Contributions of Shoulder Dysfunction in Patients with Subacromial Pain Syndrome.” Pain Medicine United States 26, no. 11 (2025): 749–57. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaf057.
Rajabzadeh-Oghaz, H., J. Elwell, B. Schoch, et al. “Radiomic Analysis of the Deltoid and Scapula: Identification of Computed Tomography-Image Based Measurements Predictive of Pain, Motion, and Function before and after Shoulder Arthroplasty.” Jses International 9, no. 6 (2025): 2087–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseint.2025.06.014.
Regan, M.D., A. Syed, K.D. Baldwin, and Children’s Orthopaedic Trauma and Infection Consortium for Evidence Based Studies (CORTICES) Study Group. “Hold That K Wire! Fixing Nondisplaced Distal Forearm Fractures in Pediatric Floating Elbow Injuries Is Unnecessary.” J Pediatr Soc North Am (United States) 13 (November 2025): 100260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jposna.2025.100260.
Rodriguez, K.M., R.M. Palmieri-Smith, and C. Krishnan. “Operant Upconditioning of the Quadriceps Motor Evoked Torque as a Means to Improve Quadriceps Function After ACL Reconstruction.” Sports Health 17, no. 6 (2025): 1293–305. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381251313775.
Sampson, R.D., E.K. O’Connor, and K.C. Chung. “The Building of a Nation: Leadership Lessons from Tata.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 5 (2025): 677–82. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012294.
Sawar, K., and K.C. Chung. “Principles of Effective Teaching: Lessons from Richard Feynman.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 156, no. 6 (2025): 823–29. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000012341.
Strelzow, J.A., and K.C. Chung. “Managing and Succeeding with Complex Periarticular Elbow Trauma.” Hand Clinics 41, no. 4 (2025): ix–x. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2025.08.011.
Tan, M.L., A. Roy, E.M. Plaster, H. Wolfenson, A. Abraham, and C. Loebel. “Hydrogel Viscoelasticity Modulates Cell Nascent Extracellular Matrix Deposition.” Macromolecular Rapid Communications 46, no. 21 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500435.
Timmer, K.B., M.L. Killian, and B.A.C. Harley. “Mesenchymal Stem Cell Activity across a Graded Scaffold-Hydrogel Composite Biomaterial for Tendon-to-Bone Enthesis Repair.” Bioactive Materials 53 (November 2025): 287–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2025.07.017.
Waheed, M., A. Ahmed, R. Vaidya, and I. Aleem. “68. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs and Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Influence on Postoperative Complications and Reoperation Rates.” The Spine Journal 25, no. 11 (2025): s36–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2025.08.250.
Waheed, M., D. Patel, P. Anderson, R.D. Patel, and I. Aleem. “Preoperative Teriparatide Intervention Is Cost-Effective for Osteoporotic Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion: A Break-Even Cost Analysis.” Spine Journal 25, no. 11 (2025): 2475–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2025.04.007.
Wasserman, M.G., A.C. Melvin, O.E. Stump, et al. “Age Enhances the Effect of Flexibility on Running Economy in Recreational Endurance Runners.” Journal of Sport Rehabilitation 34, no. 8 (2025): 813–18. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2024-0312.
Whitney, D.G., T.D. Strout, J.A. Vessey, and R.L. DiFazio. “Risk Estimates of Five Adverse Outcomes Following Hip and Spine Surgery Among Children with Cerebral Palsy to Inform Peri-Operative Care.” Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America 13 (November 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jposna.2025.100256.
Yang, D.S., B. Oliphant, A.H. Daniels, J.N. Lawton, M.J. Rogers, and T.K.K. Chan. “Impact of Bariatric Surgery Upon the Incidence of Distal Radius Fractures Among Patients With Severe Obesity.” Journal of Hand Surgery 50, no. 12 (2025): 1454–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.08.013.
Yoon, A.P., H. Wu, W.T. Chung, L. Wang, and K.C. Chung. “Revision Thumb CMC Arthroplasty: Risk Factors and Healthcare Economic Implications.” Plast Reconstr Surg (United States), ahead of print, November 10, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012592.
Zhao, G., J. Lyu, N.A. Veniaminova, et al. “Adhesin Als4112 Promotes Candida Auris Skin Colonization through Interactions with Keratinocytes and Extracellular Matrix Proteins.” Nature Communications 16, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60876-1.
Zondervan, R.L., C.A. Capobianco, D.C. Jenkins, et al. “CD47 Is Required for Mesenchymal Progenitor Proliferation and Fracture Repair.” Bone Research 13, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41413-025-00409-0.

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