Orthopaedic Research Newsletter

November 2026

ASBMR Annual Meeting

Boston, Massachusetts, October 9-12, 2026

This year’s American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Annual Meeting took place at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. ASBMR hosts the world’s largest and most diverse gathering in the bone, mineral, and musculoskeletal research field—bringing together over 2,500 attendees from more than 40 countries.

The Orthopaedic Surgery department was well represented, showcasing over 20 poster and oral research presentations throughout the conference.

Save the date! The ASBMR 2027 Annual Meeting will be held on October 15, 2027, in Toronto, Canada.

ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The University of Michigan celebrated the October 22 ribbon-cutting of the ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center, launching a multi-year research collaboration focused on advancing human performance and sports science. The initiative brings together interdisciplinary U-M researchers and ASICS experts across medicine, engineering, robotics, textiles, and social sciences to drive innovation in athletic performance.

View the photo gallery and learn more.

Photos by Dieu-Nalio Chery, Michigan Photography.

Research Highlight

Alex L. Gornitzky, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

From left to right: Dr. Gornitzky, Dr. Soliman, and Dr. Hartwell.

Alex L. Gornitzky, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. Alex Gornitzky is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Michigan, specializing in Pediatric Orthopaedics. Since joining the faculty in 2022, his research has focused on pediatric fracture and hip surgery outcomes, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), and hip dysplasia.

Dr. Gornitzky's research focuses on two primary areas: pediatric and young adult hip pathology and preservation, and the psychosocial and mental health aspects of pediatric orthopaedic care. In hip preservation, he works closely with Drs. Hartwell, Zaltz, Soliman, and Bedi on several projects examining the diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia and microinstability. Their work includes investigating the utility, reliability, and reproducibility of dynamic hip ultrasound across different positions and providers, as well as an ongoing prospective longitudinal study examining changes in dynamic ultrasound findings before and after periacetabular osteotomy and their relationship to patient-reported outcomes. They are also studying the informational and psychosocial needs of patients presenting to hip preservation clinics, including those seeking second opinions, with the goal of better understanding how patients make treatment decisions and how hip preservation surgeons across the spectrum of care can better meet their needs. In pediatric orthopaedics, Dr. Gornitzky collaborates with Drs. Stepanovich, Walick, and Whitney on a series of studies examining mental health trajectories surrounding pediatric orthopaedic surgery, including work demonstrating an increased risk of new mental health diagnoses during the first six months following surgery compared with matched controls, as well as a prospective study investigating the psychosocial needs of school-age and pre-adolescent children undergoing major orthopaedic procedures. Finally, he continues to collaborate with Dr. Zaltz on studies of uncommon pediatric hip preservation procedures, including the Colonna arthroplasty, with the goal of better characterizing surgical techniques and long-term outcomes using our institution’s unique experience.

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Hsiao H. Sung

On September 7, 2026, Hsiao H. Sung successfully defended her PhD thesis at Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands. Dr. Sung's thesis, Strength in Fragility: Age-dependent Sclerostin Antibody Response in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Craniofacial Structures, details the work she performed within the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories in Ann Arbor, under the supervision of Professors Ken Kozloff, Peter van der Kraan, and Esmeralda Blaney Davidson. Dr. Sung defended her dissertation in the historic Aula auditorium on the Radboud campus, and was questioned by a robus committee of European experts in the field. Congratulations to Dr. Sung on her great accomplishment!

Congratulations, Mike Newton

The Dennis Kayner Award was created in 2012 in memory of Dennis Kayner, a longtime staff member of the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories (ORL) at the University of Michigan who was the heart and soul of the labs for many years. Dennis was a unique individual who dedicated much of his time to teaching trainees both lab and life lessons; the award was established in his honor to annually recognize a trainee who exemplifies the creativity, dedication, collegiality, and inspiration that Dennis brought to the lab every day. This year's award winner is Dr. Mike Newton, a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Kurt Hankenson’s laboratory. Recognized nationally as a recipient of the 2025 ACR Emerging Investigator Award and a finalist for the 2025 ORS New Investigator Research Award, Mike’s work integrates multi-omics, bioinformatic pipelines, and advanced imaging strategies to investigate post-traumatic osteoarthritis and synovial pain signaling mechanisms. Beyond his research productivity, Mike embodies Dennis’s spirit through his collaborative nature—generously sharing open-source preclinical models and bioinformatic workflows across multiple institutions—and his selfless dedication to mentoring students and junior trainees across the department. Congratulations Mike!

Staff Updates

Carol Whitinger (Left) and Emma Snyder-White (Right)

National Society of Histotechnology

Emma Snyder-White and Carol Whitinger attended the annual National Society of Histotechnology in San Antonio, TX, at the end of September, where they attended seminars, learning labs, express talks, the vendor show, and the NSHCollaborate Bone and Resin meeting. In addition to all the education on new technologies and products, the networking was priceless, and a lot of connections were made. Turned out to be the best conference ever because Carol won the grand prize at the vendor raffle – an all-expenses-paid trip to next year’s conference in Colorado, courtesy of the NSH!

From left to right: Connie Wildeman, Executive Assistant, Carol Whitinger, Aubrey Warner, President of the National Society of Histotechnology

Chris Ray, BS CCRP

Clinical Research Coordinator-Intermediate

Chris is excited to announce that he will begin a new journey as a Research Area Specialist Senior at the University of Michigan’s new ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center (AMSI)!

He is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this exciting initiative in collaboration with the Human Performance & Sport Science Center’s Athlete Innovation Laboratory (HAIL). In this role, he'll support high-performance athlete testing and contribute to an NIH-funded study investigating the relationship between aerobic exercise and bone health.

This opportunity represents a lifelong dream come true, bringing together his passion for sports science, human performance, and research. Chris is excited for this next chapter, the opportunity to collaborate with an outstanding team, and the discoveries that lie ahead!"

Fall Celebration Gathering

Donuts, Cider, Painting, and Celebrations!

Our team recently came together to celebrate the season with a cozy and fun-filled Fall Gathering. The event featured pumpkin painting, where everyone got creative decorating their own pumpkins with paint, glitter, and plenty of fall flair. Alongside the crafting, we enjoyed classic autumn treats, including apple cider and delicious cinnamon donuts.

The gathering also gave us a chance to recognize Dr. Mike Newton and Dr. Hsiao Sung. It was a relaxed, festive afternoon that gave everyone a chance to unwind, connect, and enjoy each other’s company. Overall, the event was a wonderful way to celebrate the season, recognize our colleagues, and strengthen our team spirit!

Research Resource Spotlight

Tissue Biomechanics Shadowing:

Any Trainees are welcome to shadow Research Engineer, Conor Locke, for p30 testing of murine mineralized tissue. This can also include educational discussion of biomechanical testing theory, decision-making for testing protocols, assumptions of tests, and data interpretation/analysis. Reach out to cslocke@umich.edu for availability.

Recent Publications

Belali, S., M. I. O. Mendoza, M. S. Reed, et al. “Oxygels: Tunable Phosphorescent Hydrogels for Cherenkov-Excited Luminescence Imaging (CELI) of Oxygen.” Advanced Healthcare Materials 15, no. 34 (August 2026). https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.71586.
Carender, C. N., M. J. Grosso, J. A. Browne, et al. “The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Position Statement on OrthoBiologics for Advanced Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis.” Journal of Arthroplasty 41, no. 10 (2026): 2891–93. (October 2026) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.014.
Cho, M. J., and K. C. Chung. “Myths and Science: Understanding the Current Landscape of Lymphatic Surgery.” Advances in Surgery 60, no. 1 (2026): 99–113. (September 2026) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yasu.2026.03.006.
Chopra, Z., and K. C. Chung. “Challenges and Approaches to Value-Based Care in Plastic Surgery.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 158, no. 4 (2026): 697–704. (October 2026) https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012754.
Chung, K. C., J. E. Adams, R. Garg, L. E. Miller, and W. C. Hammert. “Safety and Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Controlled Studies.” Expert Rev Med Devices (England) 23, no. 10 (2026): 1289–98. (August 2026) https://doi.org/10.1080/17434440.2026.2740310.
Elagamy, N. K., B. R. Hallstrom, H. Zheng, D. Larese, E. A. Dailey, and D. C. Markel. “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.” Journal of Arthroplasty 41, no. 9 (2026): S49–55. (September 2026) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.04.078.
Fleischer, M., M. Newton, S. Hartner, et al. “Acute Local and Systemic Effects of Intra-Articular Administration of Liposomal Ido-1 Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture.” Biochimie 248 (September 2026): 121–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2026.07.013.
Friedman, A., R. A. King, G. Myers, et al. “Murine Model for Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type I.” Blood Adv (United States), ahead of print, (September 2026). https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2026020353.
Garcia, S. A., and R. M. Palmieri-Smith. “Gait Asymmetries Are Associated With Step-to-Step Loading Variability In Those With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: 1023.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 58, no. 10S (October 2026). https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0001261752.95978.50.
Geis, E. R., A. S. Colwell, and K. C. Chung. “Scott’s Parabola: A Cautionary Tale in Medical Innovation.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 158, no. 3 (2026): 493–99. (September 2026) https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012593.
Kalimian, T., and K. C. Chung. “Discussion: Is Joint Denervation a Durable Treatment for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis? A Multicenter Long-Term Outcome Study.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 158, no. 3 (2026): 52–53. (September 2026) https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012966.
Khalil, L. S., and M. J. Hartwell. “Editorial Commentary: Combined Hip Version Abnormalities May Not Negatively Influence Patient Outcomes, Depending How Version Is Measured and Combined Version Is Categorized.” Arthroscopy Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery 42, no. 10 (2026): 2088–91. (2026) https://doi.org/10.1002/arj.70389.
Khorram, R., K. Kohut, S. Al-Humadi, et al. “Midterm Radiographic Outcomes of Short- vs. Standard-Length Stems in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Are Comparable with the Univers Revers System.” Seminars in Arthroplasty Jses 36, no. 3 (September 2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sart.2026.151593.
Kunze, K. N., J. T. Morgan, C. Gerhold, et al. “An International Expert Consensus Statement Defining the Best Practices and Areas of Uncertainty Concerning the Use of Orthobiologics.” Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 108, no. 17 (2026): 1340–51. (September 2026) https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.26.00723.
Mathis, K. H., S. T. Peters, K. C. Chung, et al. “A Shorter, Algorithm-Based Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire Remains Valid for Outcome Assessment in Hand Patients.” Journal of Hand Surgery European Volume 51, no. 9 (2026): 1129–37. (2026) https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934261435891.
Messina, J., E. Kenna, R. Hubbard, et al. “Ultrasound-Guided Histotripsy for Non-Invasive Treatment of Ex Vivo Soft Tissue Tumors: Preclinical Feasability Study.” Annals of Surgical Oncology, ahead of print, (September 2026). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-026-20578-4.
Mouli, V. H., A. K. Metz, and E. A. Crawford. “Government Insurance and Higher Area Deprivation Index Associated With Increased Time to Care in Patients With Traumatic Patellar Instability.” Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Global Research Reviews 10, no. 9 (2026).
O’Connor, E. K., A. J. Heiman, K. Li, L. Wang, A. K. Gosain, and K. C. Chung. “Barriers to Care Associated with Pediatric Orofacial Clefts Global Disease Burden.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 158, no. 4 (2026): 633–45. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012749.
O’Connor, E. K., A. J. Heiman, T. D. Thang, T. N. G. Bao, T. H. Le Thua, and K. C. Chung. “Perceptions of Surgeons in Vietnam on International Medical Volunteers.” Ann Plast Surg (United States), ahead of print, (October 2026). https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000004868.
Patrick, M. D., J. Ahn, K. D. Hankenson, and R. T. Annamalai. “Maladaptive Immune-Fibrotic Axis Drives Impaired Long Bone Regeneration under Mechanical Instability.” Science Advances 12 (August 2026). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adx7511.
Perez, S. A., O. W. Dean, J. G. Pophal, J. T. Eichman, E. Fatodu, and I. S. Aleem. “Should Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis Be Utilized Following Spinal Fusions?—A Systematic Review and Literature-Based Decision Analysis.” Journal of Spine Surgery 12, no. 9 (2026). https://doi.org/10.21037/jss-2026-0125.
Prakash, R., T. B. Basnet, W. Liu, et al. “Family History and Heritability of Rotator Cuff Tears.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 35, no. 9 (September 2026): 2150–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2026.03.008.
Putera, K. H., T. Ahn, B. Loflin, et al. “Anterior Cruciate Ligament Overuse Increases Collagen Fibril Compliance: Collagen Unraveling and Elevated Glycosaminoglycan Activity in a Murine Model.” Acta Biomaterialia 223 (October 2026): 354–64. (September 2026) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.035.
Ren, B. O., Q. Zhu, T. Kim Mhsa, B. R. Hallstrom, and E. A. Dailey. “Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Collection Method by Timeframe: Different Strategies for Different Times.” J Arthroplasty (United States), ahead of print, (September 2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.09.038.
Sanchez, A. C., and K. Walick. “Knee Injury- Pediatrics.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 58, no. 10S (2026). https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0001264056.18567.4a.
Shah, A., B. R. Paul, S. Harmsen, et al. “Clinical Outcomes of Peel versus Lesser Tuberosity Osteotomy Subscapularis Approach in Stemless Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.” Seminars in Arthroplasty Jses 36, no. 3 (September 2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sart.2026.151597.
Ueland, S. D., T. B. Basnet, W. Liu, et al. “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) 195, no. 10 (2026): 2592–601. (October 2026) https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwag117.
Zamzam, M. E., N. M. Hodson, Q. Zhu, H. Zheng, B. R. Hallstrom, and M. A. Charters. “The Effect of Dual Mobility Articulations on Re-Revision After Revision for Dislocation.” Journal of Arthroplasty 41, no. 10 (2026): S382-S387.e1. (October 2026) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2026.07.009.

Upcoming Funding Opportunities and Deadlines

TBD November

TBD

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