Orthopaedic Research Newsletter

December 2024

Orthopaedic Research Holiday Celebrations

Holiday Festivities

The Orthopaedic Surgery researchers came together for a festive holiday celebration filled with camaraderie and delicious food. Colleagues enjoyed a variety of dishes while connecting and catching up in a warm, cheerful atmosphere and learning a bit more about each other through a fun Bingo. The festivities continued with a creative cookie-decorating session, where participants showcased their skills with colorful icing, sprinkles, and candies. The event concluded with an engaging round of trivia, sparking friendly competition and laughter as everyone tackled challenging questions and shared in the fun. It was a perfect blend of teamwork, creativity, and holiday spirit.

Research Highlight

Bryant Oliphant, MD, MBA, MSc

Research Assistant Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery

Bryant Oliphant, MD, MBA, MSc

Research Assistant Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Oliphant has been with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery since 2016. His research focuses on studying the differences between high and low-performing trauma centers in Michigan and across the country. His research also looks at how to increase both the quality and value of trauma care which is supported by a K23 through the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases titled “Trauma Center Characteristics that Drive Quality, Cost and Efficiency in Lower Extremity Injuries.” In line with his research, Dr. Oliphant is also the Chair of the Orthopaedic Surgery Section of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and serves as a post-site reviewer for the Verification, Review and Consultation group. He is also a member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association Health Policy Committee as well as the Evidence Based Value & Quality Committee. As a specialty consultant with the Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program he runs the orthopaedic surgery working group and is an active member of the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan

Dr. Oliphant's research focuses on improving the quality of care for trauma patients by examining their long-term outcomes. Currently, he collaborates with the Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program (MTQIP), leveraging their extensive registry to study inpatient outcomes and orthopaedic process measures. By linking MTQIP data with insurance claims, he creates longitudinal patient records to track recovery and outcomes after hospital discharge. This approach has enabled his team to investigate complications such as infections following lower extremity injuries and venous thromboembolism events. Notably, their findings reveal that most patients in these studies sought follow-up care at institutions other than the index trauma center.

In another study, Dr. Oliphant's team explored factors associated with delays in achieving successful orthopaedic process measures. This work highlighted the need to exclude critically ill patients from denominators in quality metrics, as they are often too sick for surgery. Looking ahead, his research aims to incorporate patient-reported outcomes into analyses and expand the registry’s scope to capture data on all trauma patients, regardless of insurance payer, to enhance the generalizability of the findings.

Paul Talusan, MD

Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Paul Talusan, MD

Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Talusan has been with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery since 2015. He is an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Michigan specializing in disorders of the Foot and Ankle. Dr. Talusan is an active member of the AOFAS, AAOS, and MOS.

Dr. Talusan’s research has focused on the instability of the lesser MTP joints including the anatomy and microvasculature of the plantar plate, suture configurations in plantar plate repair, and innovative techniques in surgical treatment of plantar plates. Other research interests are return to sport and activity following foot and ankle surgery as well as achilles injuries in pickleball.

Active research projects:

Innervation of the lateral column tarsometatarsal joints
Return to pickleball following achilles rupture
Multicenter study to determine the etiology of ankle arthritis
Collaboration with Dr. Killian and Dr. Abraham to study the pathophysiology of Achilles tendinosis

Research Lab Relocation

Histology Core

The Orthopaedic Research Laboratories (ORL) Histology Core has recently relocated within the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) in Ann Arbor to a permanent location. The facility is now situated on the second floor, in Room 20-2880 offering state-of-the-art equipment and resources to support histological analysis. In our new space, we will continue to offer advanced training and expand our ever-growing list of services. This move aims to streamline operations within the core and foster a dynamic environment for innovation and collaboration. We will continue, as always, to provide high-quality services and expertise.

Histology Lab Drop-Off Location: Room 20-2800

North Campus Research Complex: 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 18,

Ann Arbor, MI 48189

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Nth Dimensions

University of Michigan Bioskills

The Nth Dimensions BioSkills Workshop was held on Saturday, November 16th, and focused on increasing the number of women and underrepresented minorities in specialty medical fields through engaging and targeted programming. During the workshop, participants explored a range of demo stations featuring state-of-the-art dermatology and orthopaedic surgery procedures and equipment. Stations included demonstrations of the Xtrafix External Fixation System for floating knee injuries, fibular shaft plating with a periarticular locking plate, and intramedullary tibial nailing. Additional stations showcased periarticular proximal tibia plating and dermatology techniques like dermatoscopy, punch biopsy, and suturing. Learning objectives emphasized exposure to common surgical implants and tools, reinforcement of clinical and surgical treatments, hands-on exam techniques (Look/Touch/Test), and the importance of innovation in research and technology. The workshop also provided a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with orthopaedic surgery physicians and residents from the University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health, Wayne State University, and private practice who represent diverse gender, racial, ethnic, and orientation backgrounds.

Thank you, Volunteers! We appreciate those who took the time and making the effort to bring the world of Orthopaedic to underserved student populations!

Dr. Alicia Jacobson, Michigan Medicine

Save the Dates for upcoming DEI Grand Rounds!

February 27, 2025 | Dr. Alicia Jacobson, Michigan Medicine

March 6th, 2025 | Dr. Serena Hu, Stanford Health Care

June 12th, 2025 | Dr. Cherice Hill, University of Rochester

Have a DEI idea? Submit an anonymous suggestion: DEI Suggestion Box

For further Orthopaedic DEI information: Ortho DEI Newsletter

Welcome New Orthopaedic Research Members!

Jeneia Dinglasan (she/her)

Clinical Research Coordinator

Jeneia Dinglasan joined our team on 11/13. She will be supporting our pediatric research service. Jeneia graduated in August 2024 from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Her recent experience includes working abroad in the United Kingdom as a Summer Research Assistant at the University of Bristol, where she analyzed children’s food preferences and disgust responses using electrogastrography and visual stimuli. Previously, she contributed to studies in the Motor Learning and Rehabilitation Lab at Michigan State, where she utilized motion capture and muscle activity measurements to understand breaking habits from extended practice. Jeneia has a strong passion for research, valuing how the methodologies she uses can be applied across various studies, and enjoys witnessing the impact collaboration across different fields can have. Outside of work, Jeneia enjoys crocheting, dancing, figure skating and occasionally watching hockey.

Brooke Morrison (she/her)

Clinical Research Coordinator

Brooke Morrison joined our team on 11/11. She will be primarily supporting our MedSport service at Domino’s Farms. Brooke is an Oakland University graduate with a BS in Health Sciences, along with a background in Dementia and Alzheimer’s research. She previously served as the Imaging Research Assistant at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center where she supported multiple research projects by acquiring MRI and PET scans for enrolled subjects. She enjoys music and collecting vinyl records, attending concerts, reading, and is currently attempting to teach herself how to play the guitar.

Research Resource Spotlight

Rapid Prototyping Fabrication Shop Services and Training

Room 2261 of the Biomedical Science Research Building houses a compact precision mill and lathe, along with extensive tooling and peripherals, all efficiently arranged within a 150-square-foot space. These machines are capable of most manual facing, turning, milling, drilling, and boring operations. They are meant for use by trained personnel affiliated with Ortho who may do repeated fabrication work, or we can take requests for one-off projects. Reach out to cslocke@umich.edu for more information training or to inquire about a custom build or modification to existing equipment.

WABECO F1210 Mill

WABECO D6000 Lathe

Research By Numbers

For FY23-24, a total of 29 proposal submissions were made, consisting of 28 external and 1 internal. Seven external grants were awarded, totaling $395,653, along with a $25,000 internal award. Additionally, two RAC awards were granted, amounting to $26,350.

Recent Publications

Dailey, E.A., and E.A. Klag. “Women in Ortho,” October 22, 2024.
Johnson, A. “Modern Wound Care,” October 24, 2024.
Killian, M. “Mechanobiology of the Tendon-Bone Enthesis,” October 25, 2024.
Siegel, G.W. “Soft Tissue Sarcomas,” October 30, 2024.
Johnson, A.K., T. McCollin, S.A. Garcia, C. Krishnan, and R. Palmieri-Smith. “The Relationship between Knee Joint Effusion and Quadriceps Strength and Activation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury and Reconstruction.” Journal of Athletic Training, October 2024.
Bougioukli, S., and K.C. Chung. “How to Run an Academic Department.” Hand Clinics 40, no. 4 (November 1, 2024): 521–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2024.05.006.
Clohisy, J.C., J.J. Nepple, P.E. Beaulé, I. Zaltz, M. Millis, R.J. Sierra, Y.J. Kim, D. Sucato, and E. Sink. “Development and Implementation of a Roadmap for Improving Quality of Care in Prearthritic Hip Disease: A Journey over 20 Years.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research 42, no. 11 (November 1, 2024): 2362–72. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.25953.
Fahmy, J.N., T.M. Benítez, Z. Ouyang, L. Wang, and K.C. Chung. “2020 CMS Prior Authorization for Hospital Outpatient Departments: Associated Surgical Volume Impact.” Surgery (United States) 176, no. 5 (November 1, 2024): 1412–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2024.07.010.
Galasso, L.A., A. Lädermann, B.C. Werner, S. Greiner, N. Metcalfe, P.J. Denard, A. Lin, et al. “Virtual Assessment of Internal Rotation in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Based on Statistical Shape Models of Scapular Size.” JSES International 8, no. 6 (November 1, 2024): 1248–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseint.2024.07.014.
Garcia, S.A., M.S. White, J. Gallegos, I. Balza, S. Kahan, and R.M. Palmieri-Smith. “Associations Between Body Mass Index, Gait Biomechanics, and In Vivo Cartilage Function After Exercise in Those With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.” American Journal of Sports Medicine 52, no. 13 (November 1, 2024): 3295–3305. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241281333.
Gharib, M., T. Cleland, R. Enriquez, D. Kasitinon, C. Konda, S. Schaaf, A. Song, R. Williams, L. Özçakar, and N.B. Jain. “Ultrasound-Guided First Carpometacarpal Joint Injection Technique.” Am J Phys Med Rehabil 103, no. 11 (November 1, 2024): e171. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002619.
Herren, D.B., M. Boeckstyns, K.C. Chung, S. Farnebo, E. Hagert, J.B. Tang, F. Verstreken, and M. Marks. “Diagnostic and Treatment Recommendations for Recurrent or Persistent Symptoms after Trapeziectomy: A Delphi Study.” Journal of Hand Surgery: European Volume 49, no. 10 (November 1, 2024): 1235–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934241227386.
Hooper, R.C., B. Kelly, P.S. Cederna, and G. Siegel. “Amputation Surgery: Review of New and Emerging Techniques.” Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America 35, no. 4 (November 1, 2024): 725–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2024.06.001.
Jain, N.B., T. Cleland, R. Enriquez, M. Gharib, D. Kasitinon, C. Konda, S. Schaaf, A. Song, R. Williams, and L. Özçakar. “Art of Interventional Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.” American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 103, no. 11 (November 1, 2024): 970. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002617.
Kozloff, Ph.D., K.M. “Wearable Technology and the Athlete,” November 1, 2024.
Neumeister, S., E. Hagert, K.C. Chung, S. Farnebo, M. Boeckstyns, D.B. Herren, and M. Marks. “Revisions after Trapeziometacarpal Joint Resection Arthroplasty: A Systematic Literature Review.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 154, no. 5 (November 1, 2024): 1027–33. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011323.
Shaheen, M.S., M. Lane, and K.C. Chung. “Beyond the Signature: Informed Consent from a Legal Perspective and Its Implications for Plastic Surgery.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 154, no. 5 (November 1, 2024): 1037e–46. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011602.
Wang, C.S., and K.C. Chung. “Artistry in Scientific Writing.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 154, no. 5 (November 1, 2024): 915–18. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011555.
White, M.S., A.C. Ogier, T.L. Chenevert, E. Zucker, L. Stoneback, C.P. Michel, R.M. Palmieri-Smith, and L.K. Lepley. “Beyond Weakness: Exploring Intramuscular Fat and Quadriceps Atrophy in ACLR Recovery.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research 42, no. 11 (November 1, 2024): 2485–94. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.25910.
Wojtys, E.M. “A Call to Action for Team Physicians.” Sports Health 16, no. 6 (November 1, 2024): 873. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381241289298.
Mesko, J.W., H. Zheng, R.E. Hughes, and B.R. Hallstrom. “Individualized Surgeon Reports in a Statewide Registry: A Pathway to Improved Outcomes.” Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 106, no. 21 (November 6, 2024): 2045–50. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.23.01297.
Carender, C.N. “Effects of Surgeon Volume on Outcomes Following TKA in the Morbidly Obese: An Analysis from the AJRR,” November 9, 2024.
Dailey, E.A. “Women in Arthroplasty: Trends and Barriers,” November 10, 2024.
Hallstrom, B.R. “Achieving the CMS-Defined Substantial Clinical Benefit Following TKA and TAH in MARCQI,” November 10, 2024.
Kasitinon, D., A. Hemeida, R.C. Williams, M. Gharib, S. Raiser, A. Wise, and N.B. Jain. “What’s New in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation.” Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 106, no. 22 (November 20, 2024): 2055–62. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.24.00841.
Jain, N.B., and M.S. Khazzam. “Degenerative Rotator-Cuff Disorders.” N Engl J Med 391, no. 21 (November 28, 2024): 2027–34. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1909797.
Lamia, S.N., C.S. Davis, P.C.D. Macpherson, T.B. Willingham, Y. Zhang, C. Liu, L. Iannucci, et al. “Overexpression of Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein Fused with Channelrhodopsin-2 Causes Contractile Dysfunction in Skeletal Muscle.” FASEB Journal 38, no. 22 (November 30, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202401664RR.
Desai, V.M., M. Bowen, J.B. Anari, J.M. Flynn, J.T. Brooks, B. Snyder, B. Ramo, et al. “Rib-on-Pelvis Deformity and Reported Pain in Neuromuscular Early-Onset Scoliosis.” J Pediatr Orthop 44, no. 10 (November 2024): e929–37. https://doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0000000000002768.
Ifikhar, J., D. Sparks, A. Hendrix-Dicken, M. Hartwell, and M. Condren. “SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES: DIPHENHYDRAMINE USAGE IN ANAPHYLAXIS AND URTICARIA ACROSS UNITED STATES EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS.” Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology 133, no. 6 (November 2024): s11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2024.08.061.
Li, G.Y. “2124 - We Will Still Be Casting for EOS,” November 2024.
Burns, G.T., N. Tam, N.G. Langerak, R.F. Zernicke, and R.P. Lamberts. “Spring-Mass Characteristics in Runners Before and After a 56-Km Road Ultramarathon.” Journal of Applied Biomechanics 40, no. 6 (December 1, 2024): 492–500. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2023-0281.
Chaker, A.N., A.F. Rademacher, M. Easton, Y. Jafar, E. Telemi, T.R. Mansour, E. Kim, et al. “The Impact of Serum Albumin Levels on Postoperative Complications in Lumbar and Cervical Spine Surgery: An Analysis of the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative Registry.” J Neurosurg Spine 41, no. 6 (December 1, 2024): 792–802. https://doi.org/10.3171/2024.5.SPINE24113.
Frisch, N.B., M.A. Masini, H. Zheng, R.E. Hughes, B.R. Hallstrom, and D.C. Markel. “Early Identification of Poorly Performing Implants in Michigan With the Example of the Vanguard XP.” Arthroplasty Today 30 (December 1, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artd.2024.101478.
Gohel, N., P. Khambete, L.J. Gerhardinger, A.N. Miller, P.R. Wolinsky, M.P. Jarman, J.W. Scott, R. Vaidya, M.R. Hemmila, and B.W. Oliphant. “Characterizing Trauma Patients with Delays in Orthopedic Process Measures.” Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 97, no. 6 (December 1, 2024): 918–27. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000004346.
Rogers, M.J., J.R. Daryoush, C. Zhang, A. Cizik, A.P. Presson, and N.H. Kazmers. “Crosswalk between the PROMIS Physical Function CAT and PROMIS Upper Extremity CAT v1.2 in a Hand Surgery Population.” Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes 8, no. 1 (December 1, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41687-024-00736-6.
Talusan, P.G. “Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability: Nonsurgical Treatment Alternatives.” Foot and Ankle Clinics 29, no. 4 (December 1, 2024): 691–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcl.2024.02.005.
Truong, W.H., H. Matsumoto, J.T. Brooks, T.J. Guillaume, L.M. Andras, P.J. Cahill, R.E. Fitzgerald, et al. “Development of Consensus-Based Best Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative and Postoperative Care of Pediatric Patients With Spinal Deformity and Programmable Implanted Devices.” Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 49, no. 23 (December 1, 2024): 1636–44. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000005061.
Whitney, D.G., N.S.B. Whyte, and M.S. Caird. “The Association between Fracture and Short-Term Adverse Health Outcomes among Children with Cerebral Palsy.” Bone 189 (December 1, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2024.117267.
Yoon, A.P., Y. Song, I.C.F. Lin, L. Wang, and K.C. Chung. “Tree-Based Reinforcement Learning for Identifying Optimal Personalized Treatment Decisions for Hand Deformity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 154, no. 6 (December 1, 2024): 1259–66. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011340.
Williams, R., T. Cleland, R. Enriquez, M. Gharib, D. Kasitinon, C. Konda, S. Schaaf, A. Song, L. Özçakar, and N.B. Jain. “Ultrasound-Guided Plantar Fascia (Perifascial) Injection Technique.” American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 103, no. 12 (December 2024): e187–e187. https://doi.org/10.1097/phm.0000000000002631.

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

Do Good December

This month’s theme for Actions for Happiness is "Do Good December" As the holidays approach and we prepare to wrap up the year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what "Do Good" truly means. The December calendar offers some wonderful inspiration—whether it’s through listening, talking, writing, giving, or sharing something tangible or intangible. Surprisingly, even doing less can be a meaningful way to "Do Good." I hope you’ll discover your own ways—whether they align with the calendar or not—to find joy in doing good this season.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". -Winston Churchill