Orthopaedic Research Newsletter

June 2026

Research Highlight

Matthew J. Hartwell, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Matthew J. Hartwell, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. Matthew J. Hartwell is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Michigan and specializes in sports medicine and surgery of the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow. He joined the department in September 2023.

Dr. Hartwell’s research is primarily dedicated to advancing the diagnosis and management of non-arthritic hip conditions, specifically femoroacetabular impingement and hip instability. He collaborates closely with Dr. Ira Zaltz and Dr. Alex Gornitzky in the pediatric orthopaedic surgery departments, and his current research leverages dynamic ultrasound to improve diagnostic accuracy for hip impingement, instability, and capsular morphology—an initiative supported by several departmental Research Advisory Committee (RAC) grants. In addition to these clinical innovations, Dr. Hartwell utilizes database and registry studies to analyze population-level outcomes for non-arthritic hip pathologies. He also serves on the editorial board for Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine as the Hip Section Editor, partnering with experts nationwide to synthesize the latest literature into definitive review articles on major topics in hip preservation.

Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting

ORS 2026 Annual Meeting

This year's Orthopaedic Research Society annual meeting was held at the Charlotte Convention Center on March 27-31, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The ORS annual meeting brings the orthopaedic community together for five days of scientific education, workshops, networking, exhibits, poster sessions, and much more. The University of Michigan Department of Orthopaedic Surgery faculty, staff, and trainees were authors/presenters on more than 25 presentations that were given (orals, posters, symposia, and keynotes).

Save the date for next year's ORS 2027 annual meeting on February 19-23, 2027, in San Francisco, California!

Musculoskeletal Health Symposium

10th Annual MiMHC Symposium

On Tuesday, May 26th, the 10th Annual MiMHC Symposium brought together researchers, staff, trainees, and community members for a successful day of collaboration, learning, and celebration. This year’s event featured keynote speaker Dr. Renny Franceschi, who shared insights from more than 30 years of research in bone biology at the University of Michigan and reflected on the impact and evolution of his work throughout his career.

The symposium welcomed strong participation across both in-person and virtual formats. Attendance throughout the day was outstanding, with approximately 170 guests attending. In addition, 39 research posters were presented, showcasing innovative work and fostering meaningful conversations among investigators, trainees, and staff.

Congratulations to travel award recipients Ruchir Sriram, Christophe Merceron, and Karin Harumi Uchima for their outstanding achievements!

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and contributed to making the 10th Annual MiMHC Symposium such a memorable and successful event.

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Alex Donneys!

Congratulations to Alex Donneys for winning first place on March 31, 2026 at the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Business Innovation “Elevator Pitch” Competition for Radiolucent Fixation Systems. This recognition highlights the innovation and impact of the project and Alex’s outstanding presentation.

North Campus Research Complex Tour

Faculty Tour Showcases Research Space at NCRC, Building 20

On Friday, April 17, the department faculty had a tour of the research space in the NCRC Building 20, offering a closer look at the department’s cutting-edge research space and facilities. Led by Drs. Karl Jepsen and Adam Abraham, the tour showcased a range of laboratories and core resources, highlighting the department’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and ongoing research capabilities. Faculty had the opportunity to engage with the spaces firsthand, gaining a deeper appreciation for the innovative environment supporting current and future orthopaedic research.

Research Funding and Grants Guide

Tools and Resources for Research Funding Success

The University of Michigan Research Funding and Grants Guide is a valuable resource designed to help researchers, faculty, staff, and students identify and apply for funding opportunities across a wide range of disciplines. The guide provides access to both internal and external funding sources.

In addition to funding searches, the guide connects users with training resources and proposal development support. Researchers can find information on grant writing, budgeting, data management planning, statistical consultation, and research administration assistance through the University of Michigan offices and library services. The guide also promotes workshops, consultations, and campus resources that support successful grant applications and long-term research development.

For questions regarding resources and training opportunities, please contact: grantfundingsupport@umich.edu.

Faculty Biostatistics Support Survey

Evaluating Biostatistics Support for Faculty

The Medical School Office of Research, in partnership with the Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR), is conducting a comprehensive assessment to better understand the perspectives of our research community regarding biostatistics support. Insights will help us understand current biostatistical needs and approaches within the Medical School and guide future discussion and planning related to biostatistics resourcing.

As part of this ongoing assessment, we are seeking input from Michigan Medicine faculty members. If you are a faculty member with an appointment in Michigan Medicine and want to provide feedback on your biostatistics resourcing needs, please complete this anonymous 5-minute survey. Results of the comprehensive assessment will be presented at upcoming leadership meetings.

Take the Survey

Vital Voices Survey

Celebrating 93% Participation in the Vital Voices Survey

The team celebrated a 93% employee participation rate in the Vital Voices survey, recognizing strong engagement across staff. As a thank-you for contributing their feedback, employees received a free lunch. The high response rate highlights that every voice matters.

Staff Appreciation Event

Staff Appreciation Event Celebrates Team Contributions and Milestones

The department recently held a staff appreciation event on Friday, May 22nd, recognizing the dedication, achievements, and long-standing service of its team members over the past year.

Melissa Li acknowledged the staff for their continued hard work, commitment, and the many contributions that support the department’s success. Her remarks highlighted the importance of staff efforts in advancing daily operations, research activities, and team engagement and collaboration.

Conor Locke also shared updates on upcoming MHealthy initiatives in the department, encouraging participation in wellness-focused events designed to promote engagement and well-being across the department. In addition, Conor was recognized as this year’s recipient of the research staff honor, the Eddie Phillips Staff Recognition Award, celebrating his outstanding contributions and impact.

The event also honored significant career milestones, including Bonnie Nolan's 30 years of service at the University and Matthew Hinderman's 25 years of dedication. Both were recognized for their long-standing commitment and lasting contributions to the institution.

Overall, the celebration served as a meaningful opportunity to recognize staff excellence, promote community, and reflect on the shared accomplishments of the past year.

Recent Publications

Agarwal, R., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Prioritizing Progress over Perfection: Finding Excellence through Grace and Graciousness.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (4): 618–23. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012563.
Bougioukli, S., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Arthroscopic Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis.” Hand Clinics 42 (2): 209–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2025.12.012.
Brophy, R. H., J. Crain, J. Baker, et al. 2026. “Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Location in National Football League Athletes Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” Hss Journal 22 (2): 132–37. https://doi.org/10.1177/15563316251396136.
Chaker, A. N., H. Yeo, A. H. Junn, et al. 2026. “1022 Effect of a Statewide Quality Improvement Initiative on 30-Day Readmission Rates in Elective Spine Surgery: A Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC) Study.” Neurosurgery 72 (Supplement_1): 179–80. https://doi.org/10.1227/neu.0000000000003964_1022.
Chaker, A. N., H. Yeo, M. C. Robles, et al. 2026. “477 Statewide Opioid Prescribing Cutoff in Non-Opioid Naïve Patients Following Lumbar Fusion: A Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC) Study.” Neurosurgery 72 (Supplement_1): 139–40. https://doi.org/10.1227/neu.0000000000003964_477.
Chung, K. C., S. Malay, P. B. Burns, H. M. Kim, and J. Ki. 2026. “Predictors of Disease Severity for Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: Analysis from a Randomized Clinical Trial.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (5): 742–50. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012472.
Cornish, E. R., H. Zheng, C. Carpenter, and B. R. Hallstrom. 2026. “Similar Revision Rates for High- and Low-Viscosity Cement in Total Knee Arthroplasty.” Journal of Arthroplasty 41 (5): 1431-1437.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.09.028.
Dagher, D., D. Shah, C. Kruse, et al. 2026. “Structural Augmentation in Rotator Cuff Repair Decreases the Risk of Retear: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” American Journal of Sports Medicine 54 (6): 1525–36. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465251400356.
Elagamy, N. K., B. R. Hallstrom, H. Zheng, D. Larese, E. A. Dailey, and D. C. Markel. 2026. “The Impact of Body Mass Index on the Risk of Postoperative 90-Day Infection Differs Between Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Large Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative Analysis.” J Arthroplasty (United States), ahead of print, April 24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.04.078.
Florczynski, M. M., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Reply: Outcomes of All-Dorsal Augmented Intercarpal Ligament Reconstruction.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (4): 637–38. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012501.
Frangakis, S. G., X. Meng, M. C. Bicket, et al. 2026. “Two-Part Statistical Model for Identifying Baseline Predictors of Chronic Postsurgical Pain.” Anesthesiology (United States), ahead of print, April 3. https://doi.org/10.1097/ALN.0000000000006080.
Gavel-Pinos, E. H., O. O. Okanlami, M. Cottingham, C. Seibel, A. P. Cameron, and A. V. Sarma. 2026. “Urinary Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in National Level Wheelchair Rugby Male Athletes With Spinal Cord Injury.” Neurourology and Urodynamics 45 (4): 721–26. https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.70268.
Geis, E. R., A. S. Colwell, and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Pragmatic Clinical Trials in Plastic Surgery.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (4): 611–17. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012362.
Gerow, D., H. Zheng, R. E. Hughes, B. Hallstrom, and K. Johnson. 2026. “A Novel Preoperative Calculator for 90-Day Prosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty Based off the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative Database.” Arthroplasty Today 38 (April). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artd.2026.101969.
Glavin, R. E., M. S. Caird, K. Tileston, A. L. McIntosh, and J. K. Silver. 2026. “Advancing Women in Orthopaedic Surgery: New Insights and Strategies for Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Coaching.” Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America 15 (May). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jposna.2025.100316.
Gonzalez, R., O. Dean, E. R. Nakken, D. G. Whitney, and T. K. K. Chan. 2026. “Rate of Ipsilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Increases After Shoulder Arthroplasty.” Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online 8 (3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100987.
Hantouly, A., A. Bedi, and M. Khan. 2026. “Knee Injectables in Young Athletes: Evidence, Recommendations, and Clinical Application.” J Bone Joint Surg Am (United States), ahead of print, April 16. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.26.00267.
Karimijashni, M., P. E. Beaulé, S. Carsen, et al. 2026. “How Should Hip Instability Be Clinically Diagnosed? Consensus Statements From a Scoping Review and an International Multidisciplinary Delphi Study.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 484 (5): 882–98. https://doi.org/10.1097/CORR.0000000000003903.
Kazmers, N. H., H. Roca, G. Maughan-Egbert, and M. J. Rogers. 2026. “Evaluating the Safety of Limited Load Bearing for Activities of Daily Living Following Volar Locked Plating of Select Distal Radius Fractures.” Journal of Hand Surgery 51 (5): 523-523.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.05.020.
Kobayashi, J. K., M. Sow, and W. R. Aibinder. 2026. “Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome Score Is a Strong Predictor of Shoulder Pain and Function in Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis and Rotator Cuff Arthropathy.” Jses International 10 (3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseint.2026.101637.
Kochhar, K., B. O’Dell, and A. Johnson. 2026. “The Art of the Definitive Amputation: Pearls to Reduce Re-Amputation.” Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery 43 (2): 267–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpm.2025.12.013.
Lamberty, M. A. H., J. A. Grant, E. M. Arruda, and R. M. Coleman. 2026. “Combined Cartilage Thickness and Mechanical Property Mismatch Drives Local Strain Amplification at the Patellar Osteochondral Allograft Interface.” openRxiv, ahead of print, May 17. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.13.724923.
Leis, A. M., K. J. Jepsen, E. Bigelow, et al. 2026. “Trajectories of Areal Bone Mineral Density Significantly Differ by Patterning of Femoral Neck Area and Bone Mineral Content across the Menopausal Transition.” Journal of Bone and Mineral Research the Official Journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research 41 (4): 415–23. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbmr/zjaf162.
Leopold, V. J., S. Poitras, J. C. Clohisy, et al. 2026. “Recovery Trajectory and Patient-Specific Predictors Following Periacetabular Osteotomy : A 24-Month Prospective Study.” Bone Joint Journal 108-B (5): 607–15. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.108B5.BJJ-2025-1450.R1.
McManus, B. T., B. Pottepalem, C. Huang, and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Why Less Is More: The Value of Living a Minimalist Lifestyle.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (4): 624–29. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012390.
McManus, B. T., B. Pottepalem, Y. Nie, R. Ahdoot, L. Wang, and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Early Career Attrition among the Most Common Surgical and Nonsurgical Specialties.” Academic Medicine Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges 101 (5): 542–49. https://doi.org/10.1093/acamed/wvaf052.
Miniter, S., J. Akhtar, and K. C. Chung. 2026. “The Art of Critical Literature Appraisal.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (5): 785–90. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012662.
Mott, N. M., T. M. Benitez, D. M. Connochie, et al. 2026. “Defining Expanded Episode-Based Surgical Quality Measurement.” JAMA Network Open 9 (4). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.6176.
Newton, M. D., H. Swahn, D. E. Orange, et al. 2026a. “Cross-Platform Transcriptomic Data Integration Identifies an Overactive Neuro-Immune Signature in Human Osteoarthritis Synovium.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34 (4): 589–600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.08.013.
Newton, M. D., H. Swahn, D. E. Orange, et al. 2026b. “Publisher’s Note to ‘Cross-Platform Transcriptomic Data Integration Identifies an Overactive Neuro-Immune Signature in Human Osteoarthritis Synovium’ [Osteoarthr. Cartil. 34 (2026)].” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34 (4): 503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2026.03.119.
Perrone, E. E., and B. W. Oliphant. 2026. “Invited Commentary: The Home of Surgery: Beyond Time to Get It Right.” Journal of the American College of Surgeons 242 (5): 1345–47. https://doi.org/10.1097/XCS.0000000000001710.
Pitts, T., and W. R. Aibinder. 2026. “The Inconsistent Reporting and Effect of Resilience on Outcomes Following Shoulder Surgery.” Jses Reviews Reports and Techniques 6 (2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100681.
Pottepalem, B., K. Sawar, A. Reddy, and K. C. Chung. 2026. “The Frequency of Clinical Trial Registry Use in Hand Surgery Systematic Reviews.” Plast Reconstr Surg (United States), ahead of print, April 29. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000013153.
Prakash, R., A. L. Aagesen, N. Javed, E. L. Yanik, and N. B. Jain. 2026. “Demographic and Anatomic Predictors of Glenoid Morphology: A Systematic Review.” JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques 6 (2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100676.
Rogers, M. J., A. M. Giladi, C. Zhang, G. Zhang, A. P. Presson, and N. H. Kazmers. 2026. “Linkages Between the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire and PROMIS Upper Extremity CATv2.0 Scores in Hand Surgery: A Crosswalk Study.” Journal of Hand Surgery 51 (4): 438-438.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.10.022.
Sawar, K., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Evaluating the Current State of Quality Measure Reporting in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System.” American Journal of Surgery 255 (May). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2026.116873.
Shaheen, M. S., B. T. McManus, C. M. Cullen, et al. 2026. “Machine Learning Model to Predict Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction Complications.” JAMA Network Open 9 (4). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.7232.
Simske, N. M., A. B. Sandler, R. Gilat, et al. 2026. “Arthroscopic Posterior Labral Repair of the Shoulder in Active-Duty Military Patients Shows Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes and High Return to Sports and Military Duty at a Minimum 10 Years Follow-Up.” Arthroscopy (United States), ahead of print, March 25. https://doi.org/10.1002/arj.70067.
Suh, N., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “A Whirlwind Tour of Hand and Wrist Arthritis in the Young Patient.” Hand Clinics 42 (2): ix–x. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2026.02.001.
Tran, G. K., and K. C. Chung. 2026. “Accountability in Action: What Can Starbucks Teach Surgeons?” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157 (5): 791–96. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012460.
Wright, C., A. Singh, V. Mouli, M. Casden, W. R. Aibinder, and D. Walton. 2026. “Evaluating a One-Year Orthopaedic Medical Equipment Donation Pilot Program.” International Journal of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing 61 (May). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijotn.2026.101278.

Upcoming Funding Opportunities and Deadlines

Joyful June

This June, Action for Happiness invites everyone to take part in "Joyful June". June is a wonderful time to embrace positivity, connection, and simple moments of joy as summer begins. With longer days and warmer weather, it’s an ideal opportunity to slow down, appreciate the present, and do more of what makes you feel good. Whether that’s spending time outdoors, reconnecting with others, or trying small uplifting habits, even simple actions can boost well-being and happiness.

This month, challenge yourself to complete at least two joyful activities and notice how they impact your mood and energy.

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” — William Shakespeare